Translation guide
The concept of homogeneity — uniformity, sameness, or lack of diversity — can be expressed in Japanese through nouns, adjectives, and descriptive phrases. The most common and versatile term is 均一性 (kin'itsusei), but other options like 同質性 (dōshitsusei) and 均質性 (kinshitsusei) are used in specific contexts. This guide helps you choose the right expression based on what kind of homogeneity you're describing.
Describing a state where all parts are the same, without variation, often in physical properties, quality, or distribution.
The most common and general term for homogeneity, emphasizing uniformity and evenness. Used in scientific, technical, and everyday contexts.
この製品は均一性が高い。
This product has high homogeneity.
温度の均一性を保つことが重要です。
It is important to maintain temperature homogeneity.
Similar to 均一性 but often used when emphasizing the uniform quality or composition of a substance or material. Common in materials science and engineering.
この合金は均質性に優れている。
This alloy has excellent homogeneity.
Used in mathematics, physics, and formal contexts to describe uniformity across a space or set. Less common in everyday language.
データの一様性を検定する。
Test the homogeneity of the data.
Describing a group, society, or culture where members share similar characteristics, backgrounds, or values.
The standard term for social or cultural homogeneity, emphasizing shared qualities or identity. Often used in discussions of Japanese society.
日本社会の同質性について議論する。
Discuss the homogeneity of Japanese society.
その地域は民族的な同質性が高い。
That region has high ethnic homogeneity.
Can also be used for social homogeneity, but 同質性 is more common in this context. 均質性 may imply a more measurable or structural uniformity.
Literally 'singularity' or 'oneness', used to emphasize lack of diversity. Can sound negative or overly simplistic.
文化の単一性を強調しすぎるのは危険だ。
Overemphasizing cultural homogeneity is dangerous.
Expressing that something is boring or uninteresting because everything is the same.
Refers to uniformity that is enforced or standardized, often with a negative connotation of lack of individuality or creativity. Common in education and social criticism.
教育の画一性が問題視されている。
The homogeneity of education is seen as a problem.
Literally 'loss of individuality', used to describe a situation where personal differences are suppressed, resulting in homogeneity.
その制服は没個性を助長する。
That uniform promotes homogeneity.
These three terms are often interchangeable, but have subtle differences: - 均一性 (kin'itsusei): General uniformity, evenness. Most versatile. - 同質性 (dōshitsusei): Sameness in quality or nature, especially social/cultural. - 均質性 (kinshitsusei): Uniform quality, often in materials or structure. In many contexts, 均一性 and 均質性 overlap, but 同質性 is preferred for human/social aspects.
The English word 'homogeneity' is often used in academic or formal contexts. In casual Japanese, it's more natural to describe the situation using adjectives like 同じ (onaji, same), 均一な (kin'itsu na, uniform), or phrases like みんな同じ (minna onaji, everyone is the same) rather than using the abstract noun.
都市の均質性が失われつつある。
The homogeneity of the city is being lost.
A colorful candy that looks the same when sliced anywhere. Used metaphorically to describe a group where everyone is identical, often in a negative sense (e.g., uniform thinking).
あの会社の社員は金太郎飴みたいだ。
The employees at that company are all the same (homogeneous).