旗鼓相当
Be well-matched
Literally: Banners and drums are equal
Use it to describe a thrilling, balanced match where both sides are equally impressive.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for two sides with equal skill or power.
- Derived from ancient military banners and drums.
- Implies a high-quality, balanced competition or relationship.
Meaning
It describes two sides in a competition or relationship that are perfectly matched in strength, skill, or status. Imagine a tennis match where every set goes to a tie-break—that's exactly what this phrase captures.
Key Examples
3 of 6Watching a close basketball game
这两支球队旗鼓相当，比赛太精彩了！
These two teams are so well-matched; the game is amazing!
Discussing two top job candidates
这两位候选人旗鼓相当，很难做出选择。
These two candidates are equally matched; it's hard to choose.
Texting about a debate with a partner
吵架的时候，我们两个真是旗鼓相当。
When we argue, we are truly a match for each other.
Cultural Background
Originating from the 'History of the Later Han,' this phrase reflects the importance of military signaling in ancient China. It highlights a cultural respect for a 'worthy opponent,' suggesting that a balanced fight is more honorable than an easy victory. Today, it is frequently used in sports commentary and business analysis to denote high-level parity.
The 'Equal' Test
If you can swap the two subjects and the sentence still makes perfect sense, it's a great time for `旗鼓相当`.
Not for Objects
Don't use this to say two phones are the same price. Use it for the 'power' or 'skill' behind them instead.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for two sides with equal skill or power.
- Derived from ancient military banners and drums.
- Implies a high-quality, balanced competition or relationship.
What It Means
旗鼓相当 (qí gǔ xiāng dāng) is all about balance. The 'banners' and 'drums' represent the signaling equipment of two opposing ancient armies. If both sides have equally impressive displays, neither has the upper hand. It means two people or groups are on the same level. You aren't just saying they are 'good.' You are saying they are 'equally' good. It’s the perfect way to describe a rivalry where you can't predict the winner.
How To Use It
Think of it as a high-level adjective for a situation. You usually place it after the subjects you are comparing. For example, 'A and B 旗鼓相当.' You can use it for sports, business negotiations, or even a heated debate between friends. It sounds sophisticated but isn't too stiff for a coffee chat. It’s great for praising both sides at once. It shows you appreciate the high quality of the competition.
When To Use It
Use it when the competition is genuinely close. If you’re watching a World Cup final that goes into overtime, this is your phrase. In a business setting, use it to describe two companies fighting for market share. It’s also great for romance! If two people are equally witty and charming, they are 旗鼓相当. It implies a sense of mutual respect between the two parties. Use it when you want to sound observant and fair.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if one side is clearly crushing the other. If a pro gamer plays against your grandma, it’s definitely not 旗鼓相当. Also, avoid using it for purely physical objects like two identical apples. It’s meant for skills, power, or influence. Don't use it for negative things like 'two people are equally messy.' It usually carries a tone of 'impressive' strength or ability. Using it for a food fight might be a bit too poetic!
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from ancient Chinese warfare. In those days, armies used colorful flags (旗) and loud drums (鼓) to command troops. The visual and auditory scale of these tools showed the army's discipline and power. If the banners were equally bright and the drums equally loud, the battle would be tough. It reflects a Chinese cultural appreciation for 'balance' and 'harmony' in competition. It’s a very classic, respected idiom that has survived for centuries.
Common Variations
While 旗鼓相当 is the gold standard, you might hear 势均力敌 (shì jūn lì dí). That one focuses more on 'force' and 'power.' 旗鼓相当 feels a bit more about the 'display' and 'talent.' Another one is 不相上下 (bù xiāng shàng xià), which literally means 'not one above the other.' That one is much more common for everyday things like grades or heights. 旗鼓相当 remains the most 'epic' way to describe a great match-up.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral-to-formal but widely used in daily life. It functions as an adjective phrase. Ensure you are comparing two entities with comparable skills or status rather than just physical attributes.
The 'Equal' Test
If you can swap the two subjects and the sentence still makes perfect sense, it's a great time for `旗鼓相当`.
Not for Objects
Don't use this to say two phones are the same price. Use it for the 'power' or 'skill' behind them instead.
The Drum Secret
In ancient China, drums weren't just for music; they were the 'voice' of the general. If the drums were 'equal,' it meant the leadership was equally competent!
Examples
6这两支球队旗鼓相当，比赛太精彩了！
These two teams are so well-matched; the game is amazing!
A classic way to comment on a tight sports match.
这两位候选人旗鼓相当，很难做出选择。
These two candidates are equally matched; it's hard to choose.
Used here to show both options are of high quality.
吵架的时候，我们两个真是旗鼓相当。
When we argue, we are truly a match for each other.
A slightly playful way to say both are equally stubborn or witty.
在智能手机市场，这两家公司旗鼓相当。
In the smartphone market, these two companies are well-matched.
Fits perfectly in a formal market analysis context.
看他们下棋真是享受，毕竟旗鼓相当。
Watching them play chess is a joy; after all, they are evenly matched.
Emphasizes that the high level of play comes from the balance.
他们不仅相爱，而且在事业上旗鼓相当。
They aren't just in love; they are also equals in their careers.
Suggests a relationship of mutual respect and equal status.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to describe two grandmasters playing a draw in chess.
这场比赛双方选手___，最后打成了平手。
Since the match ended in a draw between skilled players, 'well-matched' is the correct description.
Which phrase fits a business competition between two tech giants?
这两家科技巨头在市场上___。
When two giants are competing on the same level, they are 'well-matched' in power.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '旗鼓相当'
Used with friends to describe a video game match.
咱俩旗鼓相当！
Standard use in news or general conversation.
双方实力旗鼓相当。
Used in literature or high-level business reports.
两军对垒，旗鼓相当。
Where to use 旗鼓相当
Sports Commentary
A 0-0 soccer final
Job Interviews
Comparing two PhD candidates
Gaming
A 1v1 battle with a close score
Romance
A couple with equal success
History
Two kingdoms at war
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can! Even if you dislike two rivals, you can say they are 旗鼓相当 to acknowledge that they are both equally strong or dangerous.
Not at all. While it's an idiom (chengyu), it's very common. Texting 你们两个真是旗鼓相当 to friends having a witty argument is very natural.
不相上下 is more general and can be used for things like prices or heights. 旗鼓相当 sounds more like a 'battle' or 'competition' of skills.
No, it requires at least two parties. You are comparing the 'banners and drums' of two sides.
Usually, it's neutral or positive. It implies a high level of ability. However, you could sarcastically use it for two people who are equally bad at something.
In very casual speech, people might just say 差不多 (chà bù duō), but that lacks the 'epic competition' feel of 旗鼓相当.
Yes, it's often used to describe a 'power couple' where both partners are equally successful and intelligent.
Usually, you use the verb 是 (shì) or just place it after the subject, like 实力旗鼓相当 (strengths are well-matched).
Absolutely. It is one of the most common phrases used by sports commentators in China.
In this context, 当 (dāng) means 'to match' or 'to be equal to.' It's the same 'dang' as in 相当 (xiāng dāng).
Related Phrases
势均力敌
Evenly matched in power/force.
不相上下
About the same; neck and neck.
半斤八两
Six of one, half a dozen of the other (often slightly negative).
并驾齐驱
To run neck and neck; to keep pace with.
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