平等な（びょうどうな、byoudoうna）
- equal

The Japanese word 平等な, read as びょうどうな (byōdō na), means "equal," "fair," or "impartial." It describes a state where everyone has the same rights, opportunities, and treatment, without discrimination or bias. The "な" (na) at the end indicates that it's a na-adjective (also known as a "nominal adjective" or "adjectival noun"), which modifies a noun. This means it functions like an adjective, but has a slightly different grammatical structure. Think of it as describing a noun with the idea of equality or fairness. The word focuses on the idea of treating everyone the same, and considering all individuals or groups on the same level. ⚫︎ The concept of 平等な treatment is central to ideas of justice and fairness. ⚫︎ It’s crucial in discussions about human rights, social justice, and equal opportunity.

⚫︎ 私たちは平等な］権利を持っています。 Translation: We have equal rights. ⚫︎ 平等な］社会を作るために努力しましょう。 Translation: Let's work to create a fair society. ⚫︎ 彼は平等な］判断をしました。 Translation: He made a fair judgment.

⚫︎ Use 平等な when describing situations, policies, or individuals that are characterized by fairness and equal treatment. ⚫︎ It's applicable in a wide range of contexts, from everyday conversations to formal discussions about social issues. ⚫︎ You can use it to describe a person who is fair-minded, a law that provides equal rights, or a system that gives everyone the same chance. ⚫︎ For example, you might use it when discussing: ⚫︎ Equal pay. ⚫︎ Fair access to education. ⚫︎ Impartial legal proceedings. ⚫︎ The word is often used to express a desire for fairness or to criticize situations where people are treated unfairly.

⚫︎ 平等な is typically written with the kanji 平等 (byōdō) followed by the hiragana な (na). ⚫︎ 平等 means "equality" or "impartiality." ⚫︎ The kanji is used because it's the most common and standard way of writing the word. ⚫︎ The okurigana is standard, with no variations.

⚫︎ 公平な (kōhei na) - fair, impartial. This is a very close synonym. ⚫︎ 対等な (taitō na) - equal, on a par. ⚫︎ 均等な (kintō na) - uniform, equal. This often implies an equal distribution or balance.

⚫︎ 不平等な (fubyōdō na) - unequal, unfair. ⚫︎ 不公平な (fukōhei na) - unfair, unjust. ⚫︎ 差別的な (sabetsuteki na) - discriminatory.

この会社は、社員に対して平等な］機会を与えています。 ・Translation: This company provides equal opportunities to its employees. ・Explanation: The sentence highlights that the company does not discriminate but gives the same chance to every employee.

政府は、平等な］教育を受ける権利を国民に保障すべきです。 ・Translation: The government should guarantee the right to receive equal education to the citizens. ・Explanation: This sentence underscores the importance of the government ensuring equal access to education for everyone.

The word 平等 is formed from two kanji: ⚫︎ 平 (byō) which means "flat," "even," or "equal." ⚫︎ 等 (dō) which means "equal," "same," or "level." The combination suggests the idea of "equal level" or "being on the same plane." The addition of な turns it into a na-adjective, modifying a noun.