同等

• Pinyin: tóng děng
• Hanzi breakdown: 同 = same; 等 = 竹 + 寺 — level, grade, class

Meaning

Equal; equivalent; of the same level or rank.

Describes things that are at the same level in terms of importance, status, or treatment. Often used in formal or legal contexts to emphasize equality of conditions or qualifications.

Examples

1. 这两个学位在申请工作时具有同等效力。 These two degrees carry equal weight when applying for jobs.
2. 不管出身如何，每个人都应该享有同等的受教育权利。 Regardless of one's background, everyone should enjoy equal rights to education.
3. 在同等条件下，我们会优先考虑有相关经验的候选人。 Under equal conditions, we will give priority to candidates with relevant experience.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, academic, HR

Tone: official

Do Say

• 同等学力。(Equivalent academic qualifications.)
• 同等条件下。(Under equal conditions.)

Don't Say

• 用'同等'形容完全相同的东西 (同等 means equivalent level — for identical items, use 相同 or 一样)

Origin & History

同 means same, 等 means level/grade — at the same level.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal