Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Equal" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "equal", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
等しい
ひとしい (hitoshii)
B1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
平等な
びょうどうな (byoudouna)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "equal" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 等しい and 平等な.
In Japanese, 等しい (ひとしい (hitoshii)) is typically associated with "equal, same" (Syllabus Level: B1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B1 vocabulary syllabus..
On the other hand, 平等な (びょうどうな (byoudouna)) maps to "equal, impartial" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "equal" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "等しい"
これはとても等しいですね。
This is very equal, same, isn't it?
Bilingual Context for "平等な"
これはとても平等なですね。
This is very equal, impartial, isn't it?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "これはとても ＿＿＿ ですね。" (Meaning: "This is very equal, same, isn't it?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "等しい" fits here because it means "equal, same" in the context of: "This is very equal, same, isn't it?". "平等な" represents "equal, impartial".