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Korean learner dictionary

난형난제

nanhyeongnanje · being almost equal; having trouble telling which is better

NIKL-backed definitions, English glosses, pronunciation, examples, and learner-level context.

Dictionary entry

NIKL target code 40789
Part of speech: 명사Pronunciation: 난형난제Level: Advanced · NIKL learner grade
  1. 1.

    누구를 형이라 하고 누구를 동생이라 하기 어렵다는 뜻으로 두 사물이 비슷해서 무엇이 더 낫다고 말할 수 없음.

    English: being almost equal; having trouble telling which is better — Difficulty in telling who to call an older brother and who a younger brother, used when two people or things are very similar, making it hard to tell who or which is better than the other.

    Examples

    • 난형난제의 경쟁.
    • 난형난제의 경주.
    • 난형난제의 대결.
    • 난형난제의 솜씨.
    • 난형난제의 승부.
    • 난형난제의 실력.
Origin
難兄難弟