Translation and Meaning of: 公平 - kouhei

The Japanese word 公平 [こうへい] is a term that holds a deep and relevant meaning both in the language and in Japanese culture. If you are looking to understand its meaning, origin, or how to use it in everyday life, this article will guide you through everything you need to know. We will explore everything from the composition of the kanji to the cultural context in which this word is used, along with practical tips for memorization.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, 公平 is defined as "justice" or "equity," but its usage goes beyond the literal sense. It appears in discussions about society, education, and even in anime dialogues, reflecting important values for the Japanese. If you want to learn how to use this word naturally, keep reading to discover curiosities and examples that will enrich your vocabulary.

Meaning and composition of 公平

The word 公平 is formed by two kanjis: 公 (kou), which means "public" or "fair," and 平 (hei), which represents "flat" or "equal." Together, they convey the idea of something balanced and impartial. This combination is not random—it reflects a concept valued in Japanese culture, where justice and equality are often discussed in social and professional contexts.

Unlike words like 公正 (kousei), which also means "just" but with a more legal bias, 公平 has a more everyday tone. It can be used to describe anything from the division of household tasks to government policies. Its use is more common in situations that require neutrality, such as in phrases like "公平な判断" (fair judgment) or "公平に扱う" (treat equally).

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, 公平 is a word often heard in discussions about education and work. Schools and companies emphasize the importance of being 公平, especially in environments where group harmony is essential. It is not uncommon to hear it in speeches about meritocracy or in criticisms of situations perceived as unjust, showing how it is rooted in collective thinking.

Although it is not as common as terms like 頑張る (ganbaru), 公平 appears regularly in news and political discussions. An interesting curiosity is that it is rarely used ironically—when someone says that something is 公平, they are usually speaking seriously. This contrasts with Portuguese, where words like "justo" can have varied tones depending on the context.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 公平 is to associate its kanjis with concrete images. Think of 公 as something open to the public (like a park) and 平 as a smooth surface (like a table). Together, they convey the idea of a space where everyone has equal access—exactly what the word represents. This visual technique is especially helpful if you study kanji by components.

To practice usage, try creating simple sentences like "先生は公平に点数をつけた" (The teacher graded the scores fairly). Avoid confusing it with 平等 (byoudou), which has a greater focus on quantitative equality. While 平等 can be used for quotas or resource distribution, 公平 is more related to processes and decisions. This nuance makes all the difference in natural conversations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 公正 (Kousei) - justice, impartiality
• 公平正直 (Kouhei Shoujiki) - Justice and honesty, impartiality with integrity
• 公正無私 (Kousei Musashi) - Uninterested impartiality, justice without selfishness

公平

Romaji: kouhei
Kana: こうへい
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: equity; impartiality; justice

Meaning in English: fairness;impartial;justice

Definition: Justice: To have an impartial and neutral attitude and respond to others.

Example Sentences - (公平) kouhei

See below some example sentences:

配分は公平であるべきだ。

Haibun wa kouhei de aru beki da

The distribution must be fair.

The distribution must be fair.

• 配分 (haibun) - distribution
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 公平 (kouhei) - justice, equity
• である (dearu) - to be
• べき (beki) - should, duty
• だ (da) - to be

分配は公平でなければなりません。

Bunpai wa kōhei de nakereba narimasen

The distribution must be fair.

The distribution must be fair.

• 分配 (bunpai) - distribution
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 公平 (kouhei) - fair, equitable
• で (de) - particle that indicates the means or the way in which something is done
• なければなりません (nakereba narimasen) - expression indicating an obligation or need to do something

公平な社会を目指しましょう。

Kouhei na shakai wo mezashimashou

Let's look for a fair society.

• 公平な - adjective meaning "fair" or "impartial"
• 社会 - noun meaning "society"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 目指しましょう - verb meaning "to seek" or "to aim for", conjugated in the polite imperative

私たちは公平な取り分を受け取りました。

Watashitachi wa kōhei na toribun o uketorimashita

We received a fair division.

We received a fair part.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 公平な - fair or "equitable" in Japanese
• 取り分を - part or "participation" in Japanese
• 受け取りました - we received in Japanese