How to say "equilibrium" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 兼ね合いかねあいnoun, suru verbCovers the figurative sense of equilibrium as a workable balance between competing factors, such as cost and quality. It suggests weighing trade-offs rather than a physical or scientific state.
- 均衡きんこうnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbUsed for a state of equilibrium or balance among forces, interests, or budgets, often in abstract or formal discussion. It fits contexts like maintaining equilibrium between supply and demand or between rival powers.
- 平衡へいこうnounThe technical term for equilibrium in physics and science, describing balanced forces or states. For everyday talk about balance it is less natural; choose it mainly for scientific or mathematical contexts.
- 釣り合いつりあいnounRefers to physical balance or equilibrium, as of objects, weight, or a person's posture. It can also describe things suiting each other well, so it is the concrete, everyday choice rather than an abstract one.
- 安定あんていnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbPrimarily means stability or steadiness, and its gloss 'equilibrium' reflects that looser sense. When English 'equilibrium' really means a stable, settled state, this is natural; for strict balance, the other words fit better.
Use 「兼ね合い」 for balancing competing demands, 均衡 for balanced states among forces or economies, 平衡 for physical/scientific equilibrium, 「釣り合い」 for physical balance, and 安定 for stability rather than equilibrium proper.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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