Translation guide
The English word 'levelling' can refer to making something flat or even, equalizing differences, or progressing in games. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To make a surface smooth, flat, or even, such as ground or a road.
Common verb meaning to level, flatten, or smooth out a surface. Often used for ground, soil, or sand.
地面をならしてから芝生を植えた。
We leveled the ground before planting the lawn.
Literally 'make flat'. A straightforward phrase used for surfaces, tables, etc.
この土地を平らにして駐車場を作ります。
We will level this land and make a parking lot.
Kanji form of ならす, often used in written or technical contexts. Same meaning as ならす.
工事の前に土地を均す必要がある。
It is necessary to level the land before construction.
To reduce disparities, make things equal, or bring to the same level, such as in society, economy, or skills.
Noun meaning 'leveling' or 'equalization', often used in economic or social contexts.
所得の平準化が政策の目標だ。
Income leveling is the goal of the policy.
Noun meaning 'equalization', emphasizing making things equal or uniform.
Phrase meaning 'eliminate differences'. More casual and direct than 平準化.
給料の差をなくすために制度を見直した。
We revised the system to level out salary differences.
Can metaphorically mean 'to make even' in terms of status or conditions, but less common for abstract concepts.
条件を平らにして交渉を始めた。
We leveled the conditions and started negotiations.
To advance to a higher level in a game, gaining experience or skills.
Common gamer term for 'leveling up' or 'grinding'. Noun form.
次のダンジョンに行く前にレベル上げをしよう。
Let's do some leveling before going to the next dungeon.
Verb phrase meaning 'to raise one's level'. Standard expression.
効率よくレベルを上げる方法を教えて。
Tell me how to level up efficiently.
Means 'growth' or 'development', sometimes used in RPG contexts for character progression, but not specifically 'leveling'.
The verb ならす is only for physical surfaces. For equalizing abstract things like income or opportunities, use 平準化 or 均等化.
平準化 often implies smoothing out fluctuations over time or across groups, while 均等化 emphasizes making things exactly equal. Both are formal nouns.
作業員が道路をならしている。
The workers are leveling the road.
政府は富の平準化を目指している。
The government aims for leveling of wealth.
一晩中キャラのレベル上げをした。
I spent all night leveling my character.
教育機会の均等化が求められている。
Equalization of educational opportunities is demanded.
キャラクターの成長が遅い。
The character's growth is slow.