# 分庭抗礼

fēn tíng kàng lǐ

Stand on equal terms with a rival

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Face each other across the court with equal ceremony

**Traditional Chinese:** 分庭抗禮

**Register:** Standard · expressive

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Describe comparable standing or competitive strength.

Implies equality, not necessarily hostility.

## Understanding the expression

Facing another party with equivalent ceremony means neither side is treated as subordinate. The expression carries that balance into modern comparisons of organizations, artists, or competitors. A small firm that grows strong enough to compete with an established leader may finally stand on equal terms. The emphasis is relative standing and strength, not identical characteristics. Two parties can compete as equals while still differing in size or approach.

## Examples

新品牌已能与老牌分庭抗礼。

### Traditional Chinese

新品牌已能與老牌分庭抗禮。

xīn pǐn pái yǐ néng yǔ lǎo pái fēn tíng kàng lǐ 。

The new brand can now compete with the established one on equal terms.

两位棋手分庭抗礼。

### Traditional Chinese

兩位棋手分庭抗禮。

liǎng wèi qí shǒu fēn tíng kàng lǐ 。

The two chess players are evenly matched.

这家出版社与同行分庭抗礼。

### Traditional Chinese

這家出版社與同行分庭抗禮。

zhè jiā chū bǎn shè yǔ tóng háng fēn tíng kàng lǐ 。

This publisher stands on equal terms with its competitors.

她凭实力与名将分庭抗礼。

### Traditional Chinese

她憑實力與名將分庭抗禮。

tā píng shí lì yǔ míng jiàng fēn tíng kàng lǐ 。

Her ability allows her to compete as an equal with celebrated players.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%88%86%E5%BA%AD%E6%8A%97%E7%A6%AE)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=722&webMd=1&la=0)

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