Translation guide
The English word "balance" covers physical stability, mental/emotional stability, financial accounting, and the idea of a remainder. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
The ability to keep steady and not fall, or the state of being evenly distributed.
The most common and versatile word for physical balance, used in everyday speech. It can refer to bodily balance, balance in design, or balance of elements.
I lost my balance and fell.
A more formal term for balance or equilibrium, often used in written or technical contexts, such as economics or physics.
Refers to balance in the sense of proportion or symmetry, often used for visual or structural balance.
A state of psychological equilibrium, calmness, or healthy moderation in life.
Also used for mental or lifestyle balance, just like in English. Very common in phrases like ワークライフバランス (work-life balance).
The amount of money left in an account, or the difference between credits and debits.
The part that is left over after other parts have been dealt with.
An instrument for determining weight, often called a balance in older or scientific contexts.
バランス is the everyday word for balance in most contexts. 均衡 is formal and often used in economic, political, or scientific discussions about equilibrium. For personal balance, always use バランス.
a balanced diet
I lost my balance and fell.
This dish has a good balance of flavors.
需要と供給の均衡が崩れた。
The balance between supply and demand collapsed.
この絵は色の釣り合いが取れている。
This painting has a good balance of colors.
Balance between work and family is important.
Maintain mental balance.
Means stability, often used for emotional or mental stability. It implies a steady, unshaken state.
I need mental stability.
Literally 'organizing one's feelings', used when someone needs to regain emotional balance or composure.
I took some time to get my emotions in balance.
The standard term for account balance. Used for bank accounts, prepaid cards, etc.
Check the account balance.
The balance is insufficient.
Refers to the difference or balance between two amounts, often in accounting or when making up a shortfall.
Pay the balance (difference).
Sometimes used in financial contexts due to English influence, but 残高 is much more natural.
Using バランス for account balance may sound unnatural; prefer 残高.
Pay the credit card balance.
The most common word for 'remainder' or 'rest'. Can be used for time, money, items, etc.
Let's finish this in the balance of time.
I'll save the balance of the money.
Also means remainder, but often implies surplus or extra. Slightly more formal than 残り.
Refund the balance of the budget.
Specifically refers to a balance scale with two pans. Used in laboratories or traditional settings.
Weigh the medicine on a balance.
General word for scales or weighing devices, including digital scales. Not specifically a balance.
Put the luggage on the scale.
balance of power
While バランス is understood in some financial contexts due to English, the natural Japanese word for account balance is 残高 (ざんだか). Using バランス may sound like a loanword misuse.
Check your account balance.
Work-life balance is important.