PCT No. PCT/JP98/04685 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 16, 1999 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 16, 1999 PCT Filed Oct. 16, 1998 PCT Pub. No. WO99/20806 PCT Pub. Date Apr. 29, 1999In order to make the wear-resistance and machinability of the copper-based sliding material, in which such particles as AlN, Al2O3, NiB, Fe2B, SiC, TiC, WC, Si3N4, Fe3P, Fe2P and/or Fe3B are dispersed in the matrix consisting of sintered Cu or Cu alloy, the dispersion is performed such that the weight proportion and the average particle diameter of the medium-hardness particles of Hv 500 or more and 1000 or less are greater than those of the high-hardness particles having Hv 1100 or more.