不平等
bùpíngděng
Inequality in Chinese is 不平等 (bùpíngděng).
The term refers to a state of being unfair, not equal, state (noun).
Meaning: unfair, not equal, state (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 不 (not), 平 (level/equal) and 等 (rank/class/equal), literally meaning 'not level/equal in rank'.
Which one should you use?
While 不平等 refers to a state of being unequal or unfair, 社会不平等 is the specific term used for 'social inequality'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term 不平等 can function as both a noun (inequality) and an adjective (unequal) depending on the context.
How do you pronounce it?
bùpíngděng
Did you know?
- The word 等 (děng) can also be used as a verb meaning 'to wait'. Consequently, in certain rapid speech contexts, a listener must rely on syntax to distinguish between 'class/rank' and the action of waiting.
- The character 平 (píng) is also used in the word for 'peace' (和平, hépíng). This implies a linguistic connection between a 'level' state of affairs and a state of non-conflict.
- While English often uses 'unfair' to describe a situation, Chinese speakers might use 不公平 (bù gōngpíng) for interpersonal unfairness. 不平等 is more frequently reserved for systemic or structural imbalances like those found in economics or social status.
Examples in context
- 中国的不平等现象引起了广泛的关注。The phenomenon of inequality in China has attracted widespread attention.
- 这个社会存在着贫富不均衡的问题，我们要更多关注弱势群体。This society has an issue of wealth disparity. We should pay more attention to vulnerable groups.
- 我们应该努力消除不公，为每个人提供平等的机会。We should strive to eliminate unfairness and provide equal opportunities for everyone.
- 我们要消除社会的不平等。Wǒmen yào xiāochú shèhuì de bù píngděng.We must eliminate social inequality.
- 这是一种很不平等的待遇。Zhè shì yī zhǒng hěn bù píngděng de dàiyù.This is a very unequal treatment.
- 他在为男女不平等发声。Tā zài wèi nán nǚ bù píngděng fāshēng.He is speaking out against gender inequality.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a new company policy in the office.
- 伟 Wei这个新规定很不平等。Zhège xīn guīdìng hěn bù píngděng.This new regulation is very unequal.
- 梓涵 Zihan伟，你觉得哪里不公平？Wěi, nǐ juéde nǎlǐ bù gōngpíng?Wei, where do you think it is unfair?
- 伟 Wei由于职位的不同，待遇存在不平等。Yóuyú zhíwèi de bùtóng, dàiyù cúnzài bù píngděng.Due to different positions, there is inequality in treatment.
- 梓涵 Zihan我明白你的意思了。Wǒ míngbái nǐ de yìsi le.I understand what you mean.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “inequality” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
