並み
As, On par with, Worthy of
Structure
Noun + 並み + の + Noun
Noun + 並み + に + Phrase
Explanation
並み is a noun that originates from the classical verb 並む, a variant of 並ぶ, which means ‘to be in a row’ or ‘to be equivalent’. When attached to another noun, it indicates that something is ‘at the same level as (A)’, ‘comparable to (A)’, or ‘typical for (A)’. The more direct translation, ‘in a line with (A)’, can also be a helpful way to understand its meaning.
- あの俳優の歌は歌手並みだ。That actor's singing is as good as a professional's.
- まだ２月なのに４月並みの暖かさだ。Even though it's only February, the warmth is like it's April.
- 妹は母並みに料理ができるから、とても助かる。My little sister can cook as well as our mom, so she's a huge help.
Caution
While 並み as a suffix can mean ‘typical for (A)’, its meaning of ‘average’ or ‘ordinary’ is most common when it is used as a standalone noun. In this case, it is frequently written in kana as 並, followed by the case-marking particle の, and then the noun it is describing.
- あんな車は並の会社員には買えません。The average office worker cannot afford a car like that.
- 並の高校生では、こんな数学の問題を解くのは難しい。For an ordinary high school student, solving this kind of math problem is difficult.
Caution
並み can only be attached to nouns that represent a widely known or easily understood standard or benchmark. It will sound unnatural if the standard of comparison is something based on personal opinion or is not common knowledge.
- このカレーはマグマ並みの辛さだ。This curry is as spicy as magma. (Unnatural Japanese, as the spiciness of magma is not a commonly understood or measurable standard)
Examples
彼の料理の腕前は料理人並みだ。
His cooking skills are on par with a professional chef.
この地域のインターネットの速度は、都市部並みである。
The internet speed in this region is on par with urban areas.
この人工ダイヤモンドは本物並みの輝きを持っている。
This artificial diamond has a sparkle as brilliant as a real one.
あの学生のレポートは大学院生並みのクオリティだった。
That student's report was of a quality on par with a graduate student's.
練習を重ね、彼のテニスのスキルは選手並みになってきた。
Through continued practice, his tennis skills have become on par with a professional player.
最近のコンパクトカメラは、一眼レフ並みの画質で写真が撮れる。
Recent compact cameras can take photos with image quality on par with a DSLR.