Japanese word

平等

Pronunciation

Romajibyōdō

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveequal

Example

すべての人に平等な機会が必要です。su be te no hito ni byō dō na ki kai ga hitsu yō de su

Equal opportunities are needed for everyone.

Illustration for 平等 (equal)

More examples

学校では、すべての生徒を平等に扱います。gak kō de wa su be te no sei to o byō dō ni atsuka i ma su

At school, all students are treated equally.

Core concept

Describes treating people or groups with the same rights, chances, and consideration rather than giving one an unfair advantage.

Common phrases

  • 平等な機会byō dō na ki kai

    equal opportunities

  • 平等な権利byō dō na ken ri

    equal rights

  • 平等に扱うbyō dō ni atsuka u

    treat equally

  • 平等に分けるbyō dō ni wa ke ru

    divide equally

Similar words

公平kōhei: Describes treatment that is just and free from unfair preference.
対等taitō: Describes a relationship in which the sides have the same status and power.
均等kintō: Describes a share or distribution that is the same in amount for each part.
同等dōtō: Describes things that have the same level, value, or status.

Definition in Japanese

人や集団の間で権利や機会などに差をつけず、同じように扱うこと。hito ya shū dan no aida de ken ri ya ki kai na do ni sa o tsu ke zu ona ji yō ni atsuka u ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 平等 (byōdō) combines 平 (hei, "even" or "level") with 等 (tō, "rank" or "class"), expressing the absence of differences in standing.

Usage tips

  • English speakers often use equal in phrases such as equal rights and equal pay, where it describes the treatment or share given to each person.

Other meanings

  • equalitynoun
  • fairnessnoun

Opposites

  • 不平等fubyōdōunequalna-adjective

Related words

  • 平等さbyōdōsaequalitynoun
  • 平等性byōdōseiequalitynoun
  • 平等化byōdōkaequalizationnoun

Word lists with this word