How to say "imbalance" in Japanese
- noun, na-adjectiveThe loanword, typically describing something that looks or feels out of balance — a lopsided figure, design, or combination. It states the impression of imbalance directly, without specifying what is disproportionate.
- 不均衡ふきんこうna-adjective, nounThe Sino-Japanese term for imbalance as disproportion: one part or share out of proportion to another. Typical of writing on economics, statistics, or distribution, where amounts or levels fail to correspond.
- 不釣合いふつりあいnoun, na-adjectiveImbalance as a mismatch between two things that should correspond or suit each other, whether in size, amount, or fitness; a disproportion between what two sides bring or require.
- 凹凸おうとつnounLiterally hollows and bumps; as 'imbalance' it really means unevenness or disparity — gaps and variations across a surface, a record, or a group. Seldom the word for a straightforward lack of balance.
- 凸凹でこぼこno-adjective, na-adjectiveThe same characters in the native reading; describes something bumpy or uneven, or gaps and ups and downs between things. For 'imbalance' it is really 'unevenness', seldom the word for disproportion.
Use 不均衡 for disproportion between quantities or shares, 「不釣合い」 for a mismatch between two things, 「アンバランス」 for something that simply looks or feels lopsided, and 凹凸/凸凹 for unevenness or gaps.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).


