Translation guide
The English word 'consistency' covers several distinct ideas: steadiness, reliability, and uniformity over time; logical coherence; and physical thickness or texture. This guide separates those meanings and gives natural Japanese expressions for each.
Describing something that does not change, is always the same, or can be relied upon to perform the same way.
consistency in performance · maintain consistency · lack of consistency
The most direct equivalent for 'consistency' as steadiness or coherence in behavior, policy, or quality. Commonly used in formal and business contexts.
彼の行動には一貫性がない。
There is no consistency in his actions.
この方針は一貫性を欠いている。
This policy lacks consistency.
Emphasizes stability and reliability, often used for systems, performance, or emotional steadiness.
このシステムの安定性は高い。
The consistency (stability) of this system is high.
Colloquial adjective meaning 'unwavering' or 'consistent', often used for a person's stance or performance.
彼はいつもぶれない意見を持っている。
He always has consistent (unwavering) opinions.
Literally 'no unevenness', used to describe consistent performance or quality without fluctuations.
彼女の仕事はムラがない。
Her work is consistent (free from unevenness).
Focuses on sustainability or continuity over time, often used in environmental or policy contexts.
この計画の持続性が疑問視されている。
The consistency (sustainability) of this plan is being questioned.
When ideas, arguments, or statements fit together without contradiction.
internal consistency · consistent argument · consistent with the facts
Also used for logical consistency. Often appears in phrases like 論理的一貫性 (logical consistency).
彼の主張には論理的一貫性がない。
His argument lacks logical consistency.
Specifically means consistency as alignment or coherence between elements, often used in technical or logical contexts.
Literally 'no contradiction', a common way to say something is consistent in the sense of not being self-contradictory.
彼の話は矛盾がない。
His story is consistent (free of contradictions).
Describing how thick, firm, or fluid a substance is.
smooth consistency · thick consistency · consistency of the batter
Technical term for viscosity; used for liquids and semi-solids.
この液体は高い粘度を持っている。
This liquid has a high consistency (viscosity).
Means hardness or firmness, used for solids or semi-solids like clay or dough.
この粘土の硬さはちょうどいい。
The consistency (firmness) of this clay is just right.
Describes a thick, syrupy consistency, often used in cooking.
このソースはいいとろみがある。
This sauce has a nice thick consistency.
Means concentration or density, sometimes used for consistency of mixtures.
一貫性 (いっかんせい) is about consistency over time or across actions; 整合性 (せいごうせい) is about consistency between elements at a single point, like data or arguments matching. Use 一貫性 for a person's steady behavior, and 整合性 for checking if two statements align.
一貫性 only refers to abstract consistency. For thickness or texture, use words like 粘度, 硬さ, or とろみ.
Check the consistency of the data.
Keep the consistency (concentration) of the solution constant.