相手

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 相手 (あいて) denotes the other party in a matched relationship, including an opponent or interaction partner.
• Basic usage: It can be last year's champion in a match or the person whose circumstances a speaker considers.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Opponent and interaction partner
  • 試合の相手 is competitive, but 話す相手 is simply the other participant and need not be hostile.