バランス

• Reading: バランス
• Romaji: baransu
• Pronunciation: /ba.ɾa.ɴ.sɯ/

Meaning

Balance; equilibrium. The state of being evenly distributed or proportioned.

A loanword from English 'balance.' While it can function as a suru verb (バランスする), the expression バランスを取る (to take balance) is far more natural. Widely used for physical balance, nutritional balance, work-life balance, and aesthetic proportion. Common phrases: バランスが良い (well-balanced), バランスを崩す (to lose balance), バランスを保つ (to maintain balance).

Examples

1. 栄養のバランスを考えて食事をしている。 I eat my meals with nutritional balance in mind.
2. 片足で立つとバランスを崩しやすい。 It's easy to lose your balance when standing on one foot.
3. 仕事と生活のバランスが大切だと思う。 I think work-life balance is important.

Usage Guide

Context: health, daily life, work

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'balance,' which itself derives from Latin bilanx (having two scale pans). Entered Japanese during the Meiji era as Western concepts of equilibrium became culturally relevant.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal