一長一短
いっちょういったん
merits and demerits
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Examples
どの案も一長一短だ。
どのあんもいっちょういったんだ。
Every plan has its merits and demerits.
二つの方法には一長一短がある。
ふたつのほうほうにはいっちょういったんがある。
The two methods each have their strong and weak points.
一長一短なので、目的に合わせて選ぶしかない。
いっちょういったんなので、もくてきにあわせてえらぶしかない。
Since each has pros and cons, you can only choose according to your purpose.
Common patterns
- 一長一短がある
- to have both pros and cons
- どちらも一長一短だ
- both have their good and bad points
- 一長一短の関係
- a trade-off between the two
Memory tip
Literally one 長所 (strength) and one 短所 (weakness), so the two familiar kanji tell you the meaning directly. It is the standard way to say 'a trade-off' when comparing options, and is common in ordinary business Japanese, not just writing.
Kanji in this word
Quick check
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What does 一長一短 mean?