Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Equality" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "equality", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
平等
びょうどう (byōdō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
均等
きんとう (kintou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "equality" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 平等 and 均等.
In Japanese, 平等 (びょうどう (byōdō)) is typically associated with "equality; impartiality; evenness" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to describe a state where everyone is treated the same, without discrimination based on status, gender, race, etc. It's a key concept in law, human rights, and social justice..
On the other hand, 均等 (きんとう (kintou)) maps to "equality, uniformity, evenness" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something being distributed, divided, or treated equally or uniformly without disparity. Often used as a な-adjective. A literal translation of "equality" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "平等"
法の下では誰もが平等です。
Under the law, everyone is equal.
Bilingual Context for "均等"
ケーキを6つに均等に分けた。
I divided the cake into six equal parts.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "法の下では誰もが ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "Under the law, everyone is equal.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "平等" fits here because it means "equality; impartiality; evenness" in the context of: "Under the law, everyone is equal.". "均等" represents "equality, uniformity, evenness".