Translation guide
How to express the idea of 'evenly' in Japanese, covering equal distribution, uniform surfaces, steady pacing, and more.
Describing something divided or distributed in equal parts, amounts, or shares.
The most common and neutral adverb for dividing or distributing something equally among people or groups.
Please divide the snacks evenly among the children.
Emphasizes fairness or equality, often used for rights, opportunities, or treatment, not just physical division.
The profits will be distributed evenly among all members.
Specifically means dividing into equal portions, often used for food or measurable quantities. Slightly more formal or written.
I cut the cake into even pieces.
Describing a surface, mixture, or application that is smooth, level, or without lumps or bumps.
Used when something is spread, applied, or mixed so that it is uniform throughout, like batter, paint, or heat.
Please apply the paint evenly on the wall.
Means 'without unevenness' or 'without patches'. Common in cooking and crafts for smooth, consistent results.
Mix the batter evenly.
Focuses on flatness or levelness, not necessarily uniformity of mixture. Use for surfaces like ground or dough.
Level the ground evenly.
Describing movement, progress, or occurrence at a constant speed or in regular, consistent steps.
Literally 'at a constant pace'. Used for running, working, or any activity where speed is maintained.
In a marathon, it's important to run at an even pace.
Can also be used for time intervals, meaning 'at regular intervals' or 'evenly spaced'.
Loanword from English 'constant'. Used in casual or business contexts for steady, unwavering effort or output.
He is improving his performance evenly/steadily.
Describing opponents or teams that are equal in strength or skill.
Both can translate to 'evenly', but 均等に (kintō ni) is for dividing things into equal parts (focus on equality of portions), while 均一に (kin'itsu ni) is for making something uniform in quality or consistency (focus on homogeneity).
Divide the money evenly (equal amounts).
Keep the temperature even/uniform.
The meetings were scheduled at evenly spaced intervals.
The match is evenly poised; it's anyone's game.