Translation guide
The concept of inequality in Japanese can be expressed through words describing disparity, imbalance, or unfairness. The most common and versatile term is 不平等, but other words like 格差 or 不均衡 are used in specific contexts such as economic or social inequality.
Expressing that something is not equal or fair in treatment, opportunity, or distribution.
The most common and direct translation for 'inequality' in the sense of unfairness or lack of equality. Used in social, economic, and everyday contexts.
この法律は不平等だ。
This law is unequal.
男女の不平等をなくすべきだ。
We should eliminate gender inequality.
Emphasizes unfairness or injustice, often in a more emotional or moral sense. Commonly used in complaints about treatment or rules.
それは不公平だよ。
That's unfair.
Refers to imbalance or lack of equilibrium, often used in formal or technical contexts like economics or ecology.
貿易の不均衡が問題になっている。
The trade imbalance has become a problem.
Referring to gaps between groups, such as income inequality or social class differences.
The standard term for 'disparity' or 'gap', especially in economic and social contexts. Often used in compounds like 所得格差 (income inequality).
所得格差が拡大している。
Income inequality is widening.
教育格差を是正する必要がある。
We need to correct educational inequality.
Also used for economic inequality, but 格差 is more specific to measurable gaps.
Literally 'gap between rich and poor', a common phrase for wealth inequality.
貧富の差が広がっている。
The gap between rich and poor is growing.
Referring to the mathematical concept of inequality (e.g., x > y).
The mathematical term for 'inequality'. Used in algebra and calculus.
この不等式を解きなさい。
Solve this inequality.
不平等 is a neutral statement of inequality, while 不公平 carries a stronger sense of injustice or unfairness. Use 不公平 when complaining about something being unfair.
ルールが不公平だ。
The rules are unfair.
When discussing social or economic inequality, 格差 is the most natural choice. It is often combined with nouns like 所得 (income), 教育 (education), or 地域 (regional).
経済的不平等は深刻な問題だ。
Economic inequality is a serious problem.