even, flat, peace
平 centers on a state of evenness and lack of disturbance: physically flat or level, and metaphorically calm and peaceful.
平 is thought to originate from a pictograph of a scale or balance, representing evenness and equilibrium. The modern form retains the balanced, symmetrical structure.
The horizontal strokes of 平 look like a flat surface, and the vertical line through the middle suggests stability. Imagine a perfectly level tabletop that brings peace and calm.
For ヘイ, picture a flat, peaceful hay field: hay -> ヘイ, and the even field embodies the kanji's meaning.
Heisei era (1989.1.8-2019.4.30)
peace; harmony
average; mean
weekday; ordinary days (i.e. non-holiday)
cool; calm; composed; unconcerned; nonchalant; unmoved; indifferent
fairness; impartiality; justice; objectivity
plain; open field
Pacific Ocean
equality; impartiality; evenness
horizontal; level; even
peace; tranquility; tranquillity
ordinary; common; commonplace; mediocre; unremarkable; undistinguished; uneventful
parallelism; running parallel (to, with)
level surface; plane
unfairness; injustice; partiality
tranquil; calm; restful; peaceful; quiet
peace
normal; usual; ordinary; everyday
Pacific War (1941-1945)
flat; level; even; smooth
square metre; square meter
square (e.g. metre)
level ground; plain; flatland
Pyongyang (North Korea)
hiragana; cursive Japanese syllabary used primarily for native Japanese words (esp. function words, inflections, etc.)
non-leap year
peacetime; time of peace
balance; equilibrium
inequality; unfairness
discontent; dissatisfaction; complaint; grievance
flat; even; level
horizon (related to land)
calm; peace; serenity; tranquility; tranquillity
square kilometer; square kilometre
breaststroke (swimming)
rank-and-file wrestlers in the highest division
average mark; mean point
average; ordinary; normal
similar to that of an average year; in line with an average year; normal
parallel lines
horizon (related to bodies of water)
moving average