均一

• Reading: きんいつ
• Romaji: kinitsu
• Kanji breakdown: 均 (kin) — equal, level, average; 一 (itsu) — one, uniform
• Pronunciation: /ki.ɴ.i.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

Uniform; equal; even. Having the same quality, size, or value throughout.

A na-adjective and noun describing consistency and evenness. Used for prices (均一価格 — uniform price), quality (品質が均一 — uniform quality), and distribution (均一に塗る — to apply evenly). The well-known 100円均一 (hyaku-en kinitsu, 100-yen shops) demonstrates its everyday use. Implies no variation or deviation.

Examples

1. この店は全品均一価格で分かりやすい。 This store has a uniform price on everything, which makes it easy to shop.
2. 塗料を均一に塗るのは意外と難しい。 Applying paint evenly is surprisingly difficult.
3. 製品の品質を均一に保つことが重要だ。 Maintaining consistent product quality is essential.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, manufacturing, business, cooking

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 均 (kin, equal/level/average) + 一 (itsu, one/uniform). Literally 'equally one' — a state where everything is levelled to the same standard.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal