平分秋色
Equally matched
직역: Equally divide the autumn colors
Use this phrase when two rivals are so good you honestly can't pick a winner.
15초 만에
- Used for two sides that are perfectly and equally matched.
- Literally means dividing the beautiful colors of autumn equally.
- Best for comparing skills, beauty, or influence between two parties.
뜻
Imagine two rivals are so perfectly matched that neither can outshine the other. It describes a situation where power, beauty, or skill is split exactly 50/50 between two sides.
주요 예문
3 / 6Watching a close basketball game
这两支球队实力相当，平分秋色。
These two teams are similar in strength; they are equally matched.
Comparing two job candidates in a meeting
这两位候选人的表现平分秋色，很难抉择。
The performance of these two candidates is equally matched; it's hard to choose.
Texting a friend about two movies
这两部电影的特效真是平分秋色，都太棒了！
The special effects in these two movies are equally good, both are amazing!
문화적 배경
The phrase originates from classical poetry and the astronomical observation of the Autumn Equinox. It reflects the Chinese philosophical appreciation for balance and 'The Middle Way.' Historically, it was used to describe scenery but evolved to describe human achievements.
The 'Beauty' Connection
Remember that `秋色` (autumn colors) implies something worth looking at. Use this when the equality is something impressive or positive.
Don't use for 'Bad' things
If two people are both equally bad at cooking, don't use this. Use `半斤八两` (half a pound vs eight ounces) instead, which has a more sarcastic 'six of one, half dozen of the other' vibe.
15초 만에
- Used for two sides that are perfectly and equally matched.
- Literally means dividing the beautiful colors of autumn equally.
- Best for comparing skills, beauty, or influence between two parties.
What It Means
平分秋色 (píng fēn qiū sè) is a beautiful way to say two things are on par. Think of a scale that stays perfectly level. It suggests that both parties share the glory equally. No one is the clear winner. No one is the underdog. It is a tie in the most elegant sense.
How To Use It
You usually use this to compare two people, teams, or even products. It often follows the pattern 'A and B 平分秋色'. You can use it for skills, looks, or market share. It sounds sophisticated but isn't too stiff for a good conversation.
When To Use It
Use it when you are impressed by both sides. Maybe you’re watching a high-stakes tennis match. Or perhaps you’re comparing two luxury cars. It works great in business meetings to describe competitors. It also fits perfectly when gossiping about which celebrity looked better on the red carpet. If you can't pick a favorite because both are great, this is your phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for a landslide victory. If one person is clearly better, using this will sound sarcastic or confusing. Also, avoid using it for negative things. You wouldn't say two people are 'equally terrible' with this phrase. It carries a sense of 'sharing the beauty' or 'sharing the brilliance.' Keep it for positive or neutral comparisons.
Cultural Background
This phrase has deep roots in the concept of the Equinox. In ancient China, the 'Autumnal Equinox' was when day and night were equal. The 'autumn colors' represent the harvest and the beauty of the season. Dividing that beauty exactly in half implies a perfect, natural balance. It’s a very poetic way to look at a competition.
Common Variations
You might hear 不相上下 (bù xiāng shàng xià), which means 'not much difference.' However, 平分秋色 is more visual and elegant. While 不相上下 focuses on the lack of a gap, 平分秋色 focuses on the shared excellence. Use the latter when you want to sound a bit more cultured over your morning latte.
사용 참고사항
This is a neutral-to-formal idiom. It is highly versatile and safe for both professional writing and casual praise, provided the context is positive or neutral.
The 'Beauty' Connection
Remember that `秋色` (autumn colors) implies something worth looking at. Use this when the equality is something impressive or positive.
Don't use for 'Bad' things
If two people are both equally bad at cooking, don't use this. Use `半斤八两` (half a pound vs eight ounces) instead, which has a more sarcastic 'six of one, half dozen of the other' vibe.
The Equinox Secret
The phrase originally referred to the day of the Autumn Equinox. Impress your Chinese friends by mentioning you know it relates to the balance of day and night!
예시
6这两支球队实力相当，平分秋色。
These two teams are similar in strength; they are equally matched.
A classic sports commentary use.
这两位候选人的表现平分秋色，很难抉择。
The performance of these two candidates is equally matched; it's hard to choose.
Professional and objective tone.
这两部电影的特效真是平分秋色，都太棒了！
The special effects in these two movies are equally good, both are amazing!
Casual appreciation of quality.
他们俩吵架的本事真是平分秋色。
Their talent for arguing is truly a match for each other.
Slightly ironic use among friends.
在艺术成就上，这两位大师平分秋色。
In terms of artistic achievement, these two masters are on equal footing.
Respectful and deep.
在这块市场上，两家公司平分秋色。
In this market, the two companies are neck and neck.
Describes a 50/50 market split.
셀프 테스트
Choose the correct phrase to describe two equally talented singers.
这两位歌手的唱功___，谁也没能压倒谁。
`平分秋色` describes two sides being equal in skill, while the other options mean 'dropping significantly' or 'completing a task'.
Complete the sentence about a tie in a beauty pageant.
她们两人的美貌___，评委很难打分。
When comparing beauty (秋色), this phrase is the most poetic and fitting choice.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of 平分秋色
Used with friends to compare food or games.
这两家店的味道平分秋色。
Standard use in news or general discussion.
两队的表现平分秋色。
Used in literature or formal speeches.
双方在学术界的地位平分秋色。
When to use 平分秋色
Sports Match
A tie game
Business
Market rivals
Fashion
Two great outfits
Talent
Two skilled musicians
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No! While the word 秋 (autumn) is in there, you can use it any time of year. It's a metaphor for beauty and balance, not a weather report.
Technically, it's best for two sides. If you have three or more, phrases like 各有千秋 (each has its own merits) are usually a better fit.
Yes, it's very common in business to describe two companies with similar market shares, like 华为和苹果在高端市场平分秋色.
平局 is a noun for a score (like 0-0). 平分秋色 is a descriptive idiom that talks about the quality of the performance.
Sure! If you're saying they are both equally smart or talented, it's a very proud and elegant way to say it.
Not at all. It shows you have a good vocabulary. It’s like saying 'They are neck and neck' in English—totally fine for a text.
Using it for negative things. Don't say two criminals are 平分秋色. Use 半斤八两 for negative comparisons.
Yes, it implies a very close balance. If one side is 70% and the other is 30%, this phrase doesn't apply.
Absolutely. You can use it for two brands of coffee, two cities, or even two different sunsets.
Not really. While 'Spring' is also beautiful, the idiom specifically uses 'Autumn' because of the historical link to the equinox.
관련 표현
不相上下
Not much difference between them; neck and neck.
各有千秋
Each has its own strengths/merits.
旗鼓相当
Well-matched in strength (often used for battles or sports).
半斤八两
Six of one, half a dozen of the other (often negative).
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