均匀

• Pinyin: jūn yún
• Hanzi breakdown: 均 = 土 (earth) + 匀 (even) — equal, even; 匀 = 勹 (wrap) + 二 (two) — even, uniform

Meaning

Even; uniform; evenly distributed.

Describes something that is distributed evenly, consistent throughout, or without variation in density, spacing, or intensity. Common in cooking instructions (搅拌均匀), describing textures, or technical contexts. Unlike 均衡 which focuses on balance between different elements, 均匀 emphasizes sameness and consistency within a single whole.

Examples

1. 把面粉和鸡蛋搅拌均匀，直到看不到颗粒为止。 Mix the flour and eggs evenly until you can't see any lumps.
2. 这块地毯的颜色很均匀，看不出任何色差。 The colour of this carpet is very uniform — you can't see any colour variation.
3. 他的呼吸逐渐变得均匀，应该是睡着了。 His breathing gradually became even — he must have fallen asleep.

Usage Guide

Context: cooking, description, technical

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 涂料要刷得均匀才好看。(The paint needs to be applied evenly to look good.)
• 他呼吸均匀，看起来睡得很沉。(His breathing is even — he looks deeply asleep.)

Don't Say

• 我们的分工很均匀。(For division of labour, use 平均 or 均衡; 均匀 is for physical distribution or texture, not task allocation)

Origin & History

均 (equal, even) + 匀 (even, uniform). Both characters convey evenness, creating a compound emphasizing uniform distribution.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal