バランス
baransu[ba̠ɾã̠ɰ̃sɨ]
In Japanese, the English phrase 'balance' is expressed as バランス (baransu).
バランス is used to describe being in equilibrium, whether physically or metaphorically, such as the balance between work and life. You can use the term バランス感覚 to refer specifically to a person's innate sense of balance or coordination.
Meaning: be in equilibrium (verb)
Which one should you use?
While バランス is a common way to express balance, the term 均衡 is used when referring to a state of equilibrium or balance in more formal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
baransu
Did you know?
- While バランス is a loanword, the native Japanese concept of harmony and balance is often expressed through 和 (wa), which describes a social or spiritual equilibrium rather than a physical one.
- If you describe a person as having good バランス感覚, you are complimenting their social intelligence and emotional maturity, not just their physical stability.
- The formal word 均衡 (kinkou) consists of two kanji characters that literally mean 'equal' and 'scale', evoking the image of an ancient weighing scale.
Examples in context
- 彼はバランスを崩して倒れた。He lost his balance and fell down.This sentence is useful for showing how to express the concept of losing one's balance using バランス.Tatoeba #2420472 by bunbuku, translation #293499 by CK
- 鞍馬は、力よりもバランス感覚が必要です。The pommel horse requires more balance than strength.This sentence illustrates how to talk about a sense of balance using バランス.Tatoeba #191227 by KK_kaku_, translation #28388 by Dejo
- 仕事と私生活のバランスは、どうしたらとれるのだろうか。How can we achieve a balance between work and personal life?This sentence demonstrates how to discuss the balance between two different aspects of life using バランス.Tatoeba #3366961 by arnab, translation #1866533 by al_ex_an_der
- 食事のバランスを考えると、野菜をもっと食べるようにしましょう。Let's try to eat more vegetables when considering a balanced diet.
- 人間関係を保つためには、バランス感覚が重要です。Balance is crucial for maintaining relationships.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A yoga instructor and a student are discussing a pose.
- 大翔 Hirotoもっと体幹でバランスを保ってください。Motto taikan de baransu o tamotte kudasai.Please maintain your balance with your core more.
- 美咲 Misakiなかなかバランスが取れません。Nakanaka baransu ga toremasen.I can't seem to keep my balance.
- 大翔 Hiroto大丈夫ですよ、ゆっくりやってみましょう。Daijoubu desu yo, yukkuri yatte mimashou.It's okay, let's try it slowly.
- 美咲 Misakiはい、頑張ります。Hai, ganbarimasu.Yes, I will do my best.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry バランス, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
