Learning how to say “equal” in Japanese can be a useful language skill to have. Whether you want to express equality in formal or informal settings, understanding the various ways to convey this concept will greatly enhance your Japanese fluency. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore different ways to express “equal” in Japanese, including formal and informal variations. We will also provide you with tips, examples, and regional variations when necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “Equal” in Japanese
When using the Japanese language in formal settings or with people you are not familiar with, it is crucial to choose the appropriate words and expressions. Here are some formal ways to express “equal” in Japanese:
1. Byoudou no （平等の）: This phrase translates directly to “equal” and is widely used to convey the concept of equality in a formal context. For example, you could say “Nihon no josei to otoko no byoudou no kachi o hyouka suru” which means “Evaluating the value of equality between men and women in Japan.”
2. Doutoku no （同等の）: This term emphasizes the sense of equivalence or equal status between different entities. For instance, you might say “Taishitsu to chishiki wa douyou no ookisa o kanzen ni shimeshite iru” meaning “Talent and knowledge perfectly demonstrate the equality in magnitude.”
Informal Ways to Say “Equal” in Japanese
In informal situations or when talking with friends, colleagues, or family members, you can use casual expressions to convey the meaning of “equal.” Here are some informal ways to express “equal” in Japanese:
1. Posto ga onaji （ポストが同じ）: This phrase literally means “having the same position” and can be used to express equality in various contexts. For example, you could say “Watashi-tachi wa onaji eshi-dearu kara, byoudou deatta” which means “Since we are in the same profession, we met on equal terms.”
2. Onaji you ni （同じように）: This expression conveys the idea of things being done or treated equally. For instance, you might say “Shinryaku no tettei na yakuwari ni atatte, onaji you ni behi o inomu koto ga kanou da” meaning “It is possible to pray for peace equally after fulfilling the vital role of invasion.”
Regional Variations
While there are no significant regional variations in how to say “equal” in Japanese, there may be some nuances or different phrasings based on dialects or local customs. Here are a few examples of minor regional variations:
1. Kaga (Ishikawa) dialect: In the Kaga dialect spoken in Ishikawa Prefecture, people use the word “ritto” to mean “equal”. So, instead of saying “byoudou no,” they would say “ritto no.”
2. Osaka dialect: In the Osaka dialect, people may use the word “betto” to express the idea of “equal.” For example, instead of saying “onaji,” they could say “betto ni.”
Tips and Examples
To effectively incorporate the word “equal” into your Japanese conversations, here are some tips and examples to help you understand its usage:
- When using formal expressions, remember to maintain a polite tone and use appropriate honorific language when necessary.
- Pay attention to the cultural context and use the appropriate expression to convey equality.
- Utilize gestures and body language to emphasize the concept of equality in your communication.
Now, let’s look at some examples of how to use “equal” in different contexts:
1. Educational Equality: Gakushuu no byoudou wa jinken da. (学習の平等は人権だ。) – “Educational equality is a human right.”
2. Gender Equality: Kazoku no naka de onna no ko to otoko no ko wa byoudou da. (家族の中で女の子と男の子は平等だ。) – “Girls and boys are equal within the family.”
3. Equality in Relationships: Partner to no kankei wa souzou teki na byoudou ni naru hitsuyou ga aru. (パートナーとの関係は想像的な平等になる必要がある。) – “There is a need for an imaginative equality in the relationship with your partner.”
4. Economic Equality: Shakai ni wa keizoku-teki na fukyouwaon nado nai, byoudou na keizoku ga hitsuyou da. (社会には継続的な不公平等などない、平等な経済が必要だ。) – “There should be no sustained inequalities in society; equality in the economy is necessary.”
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive guide on how to say “equal” in Japanese. We covered both formal and informal expressions, provided examples, tips, and even explored minor regional variations. When using the Japanese language, it is important to choose the appropriate word or phrase based on the context and level of formality. By incorporating these phrases into your Japanese conversations, you will enhance your fluency and be able to express the concept of equality accurately. Keep practicing, and enjoy your journey of learning the beautiful Japanese language!
