多様性

• Reading: たようせい
• Romaji: tayōsei
• Kanji breakdown: 多 (ta) — many; 様 (yō) — manner, kind, variety; 性 (sei) — nature, quality
• Pronunciation: /tajoːseː/

Meaning

Diversity; variety; multiplicity. The quality of being varied and encompassing many different types or perspectives.

A noun formed from 多様 (diverse, varied) and the suffix 性 (nature, quality). In contemporary Japanese discourse, 多様性 frequently appears in discussions of gender, ethnicity, disability, and workplace inclusion — often as a direct influence of English 'diversity.' It can describe both biological diversity and sociocultural diversity.

Examples

1. 職場における多様性を尊重する企業文化を育てることが重要だ。 It is important to cultivate a corporate culture that respects diversity in the workplace.
2. 生物の多様性を守るため、湿地帯の保護が急務とされている。 Protection of wetlands is an urgent priority in order to preserve biodiversity.
3. 多様性を認め合う社会の実現には時間と努力が必要だ。 Time and effort are required to build a society in which diversity is mutually recognised.

Usage Guide

Context: social policy, corporate culture, ecology, education

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 多様 (tayo) — various, diverse, from 多 (many) and 様 (manner, kind) — plus the nominalising suffix 性 (sei) — nature, quality. The compound reflects the Modern Japanese habit of forming abstract nouns with 性.

Cultural Context

Era: Heisei–Reiwa

Generation: All ages

Social background: General