両立

• Reading: りょうりつ
• Romaji: ryouritsu
• Kanji breakdown: 両 (ryou) — both, two; 立 (ritsu) — stand, establish
• Pronunciation: /ɾjoː.ɾi.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

Compatibility; coexistence; managing two things simultaneously without sacrificing either.

A noun and suru-verb meaning to maintain two things at the same time. Extremely common in discussions about work-life balance: 仕事と家庭の両立 (balancing work and family). Also used for reconciling opposing ideas or goals. The negative form 両立しない means the two things are incompatible.

Examples

1. 仕事と育児の両立は簡単ではない。 Balancing work and childcare is no easy feat.
2. 勉強と部活を両立させるのが高校時代の目標だった。 My goal in high school was to keep up with both studying and club activities.
3. 環境保護と経済発展の両立が求められている。 Finding a way to balance environmental protection with economic development is essential.

Usage Guide

Context: work-life balance, education, policy, personal goals

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 両 (ryou, both/two) + 立 (ritsu, to stand/to establish). Literally 'both standing,' meaning two things standing together without one falling — a vivid metaphor for coexistence.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal