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Proverbs

Japanese meaning of どんぐりの背比べ

どんぐりのせいくらべ (Donguri no seikurabe)

English Translation:

Acorns comparing their heights / Six of one, half a dozen of the other

Scene:

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

All of them are about the same and none of them stands out.
日本語で読む
どれも似たりよったりで、とくにすぐれたものがないという意味。

Cultural Context:

Acorns are all about the same size, so comparing them is pointless. It has a slightly negative tone, and may also be used jokingly about oneself and one's friends.
日本語で読む
どんぐりはどれも同じくらいの大きさなので、比べても差がありません。少し悪い意味をふくみ、自分や仲間のことを冗談めかして言うこともあります。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

背比べ is 背 (height) + 比べ (comparing). 背 is read せい here, not せ.
日本語で読む
「背比べ」は「背」と「比べ」が合わさった言葉で、ここでは「背」を「せい」と読みます。

Trap for English Speakers

It is not praise for evenly matched top players. It means they are all ordinary, so be careful using it about others.
日本語で読む
実力の高い者どうしの接戦をほめる言葉ではありません。どれも平凡だという意味なので、人に使うときは注意しましょう。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 今回の企画案はどれもどんぐりの背比べで、決め手に欠けるね。

    All of this time's project proposals are six of one, half a dozen of the other. None of them really stands out.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 新入りの下忍たちの手裏剣の腕前は、どれもどんぐりの背比べだった。

    The new genin's shuriken skills were all acorns comparing their heights.

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Quick check

Meaning

What does 「どんぐりの背比べ」 mean?

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