均衡

• Reading: きんこう
• Romaji: kinkou
• Kanji breakdown: 均 (kin) — level, equal, average; 衡 (kō) — balance, scale beam
• Pronunciation: /kiɴ.koː/

Meaning

Balance; equilibrium; a state where opposing forces are equal.

A formal term used in economics, politics, and science to describe a state of balance. The する verb form 均衡する means to be balanced or to reach equilibrium. Often appears in compounds like 均衡を保つ (maintain balance) and 均衡を崩す (upset the balance).

Examples

1. 国際経済の均衡を保つことが重要だ。 It's important to maintain the balance of the international economy.
2. 両チームの実力が均衡していて試合は白熱した。 The two teams were evenly matched, and the game was intense.
3. 需要と供給の均衡が崩れると物価が変動する。 When the balance between supply and demand breaks down, prices fluctuate.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, politics, science

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 均 (level, equal) + 衡 (balance, scale beam). Both characters relate to measuring and levelling, derived from classical Chinese.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal