对手 — meaning in English: opponent

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Guess the translation for opponent

共和国

gònghéguó

手表

shǒubiǎo

沙滩

shātān

成交

chéngjiāo

对手

duìshǒu

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neutral common

Usage

The word 对手 (duìshǒu) is commonly used in competitive contexts, such as sports, business negotiations, or debates. For instance, a soccer coach might refer to the opposing team as their 对手 when discussing strategies, or a student could describe their classmate as a 对手 during a debate competition.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 竞争对手 (jìngzhēng duìshǒu), meaning 'competitor,' which emphasizes the competitive nature of the relationship. While 对手 is broader and can refer to any opponent, 竞争对手 is specifically used in contexts of rivalry or competition.

Culture

The term 对手 is composed of two characters: 对 (duì), meaning 'opposite' or 'to face,' and 手 (shǒu), meaning 'hand.' This reflects not just a rivalry, but also the idea of confronting someone directly. In many traditional Chinese philosophies, the concept of having an opponent is seen as essential for personal growth and improvement, emphasizing the importance of competition in various aspects of life.

FAQ

Q.What does 对手 mean in English?

对手 (duìshǒu) translates to 'opponent' in English. It is used to describe someone who competes against you in various contexts, such as sports, debates, or business.

Q.How do you use 对手 in a sentence?

You can use 对手 in sentences like: '我们必须认真分析我们的对手.' which means 'We must analyze our opponent carefully.' This shows how the term can be applied in strategic discussions.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 对手?

One common mistake is using 对手 in a non-competitive context, such as friends or colleagues who aren't rivals. It's important to reserve 对手 for situations that involve competition or opposition.

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