不均衡

• Reading: ふきんこう
• Romaji: fukinko
• Kanji breakdown: 不 (fu) — negation; 均 (kin/hito) — equal, level; 衡 (kou/hakari) — balance, scale
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.kin.ko.ː/

Meaning

Imbalance; disparity; unevenness. A state in which things are not equally distributed or proportioned.

A noun describing structural or systematic imbalance — in economics, power, information, or social conditions. 格差 refers more to disparity between individuals, while 不均衡 often describes systemic structural imbalance. Common in economic analysis, policy debate, and social criticism. 貿易不均衡 (trade imbalance) and 不均衡な成長 (unbalanced growth) are typical collocations.

Examples

1. 先進国と発展途上国の間には、依然として深刻な経済的不均衡が存在する。 A serious economic imbalance still exists between developed and developing countries.
2. 情報の不均衡が交渉の結果に大きな影響を与えることがある。 An imbalance of information can have a significant impact on the outcome of negotiations.
3. 社会的な不均衡を放置すれば、やがて大きな摩擦を生む。 If social imbalances are left unchecked, they will eventually lead to major friction.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, social policy, information, international relations

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From 不 (fu, not/un-) + 均 (kin, equal/level) + 衡 (kou, balance/scale). All three characters contribute to the idea of lacking balance. A modern Sino-Japanese compound used in academic and policy contexts.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated