公平 in 30 Sekunden
- 公平 (kōhei) means being fair and impartial, like a balanced scale.
- It is a na-adjective used in professional and official contexts.
- Unlike 'equality' (平等), it focuses on unbiased treatment and rules.
- Commonly used in sports, law, and workplace evaluations.
The Japanese term 公平 (こうへい - kōhei) is a fundamental concept in Japanese ethics and social interaction, primarily functioning as a na-adjective. At its core, it represents the quality of being impartial, unbiased, and just. When you describe a person, a decision, or a system as 公平, you are asserting that it does not favor one side over another based on personal prejudice or irrelevant factors. The word is composed of two kanji: 公 (kō), meaning 'public' or 'official,' and 平 (hei), meaning 'flat,' 'level,' or 'even.' Together, they evoke the image of a public scale that remains perfectly level, regardless of who is placing weight upon it.
- Etymological Breakdown
- 公 (Public): This character implies that something belongs to the community rather than the individual. In the context of fairness, it suggests a standard that is visible and applicable to everyone, moving away from 'private' (私 - watakushi) interests.
- 平 (Level): This signifies the absence of slopes or irregularities. In a social sense, it means that no one is given an 'upward' advantage or a 'downward' disadvantage.
「審判は常に公平な立場でジャッジしなければならない。」
— The referee must always judge from an impartial standpoint.
In the Japanese cultural context, 公平 is often contrasted with 平等 (byōdō - equality). While equality often refers to giving everyone the exact same thing, 公平 focuses on the fairness of the process and the impartiality of the treatment. For example, in a race, 'equality' might mean everyone starts at the same line, but 'fairness' (公平) ensures that the rules are applied identically to every runner, regardless of their status. This distinction is crucial for B2 learners who are moving beyond simple translations into nuanced conceptual understanding.
Visualizing Fairness
不公平 (Unfair)
One side is weighted down by bias.
公平 (Fair)
The balance is perfectly horizontal.
Using 公平 correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a na-adjective and its common collocations. It can modify nouns directly using 〜な, or it can function as an adverb using 〜に. In formal writing, it often appears in the form 〜さ to denote the noun 'fairness' or 'impartiality.'
- 1. Modifying Nouns (公平な...)
- Common pairings include 公平な判断 (fair judgment), 公平な分配 (fair distribution), and 公平な取引 (fair trade). Use this when the quality of fairness is an inherent attribute of the noun.
- 2. As an Adverb (公平に...)
- Common pairings include 公平に扱う (to treat fairly), 公平に分ける (to divide fairly), and 公平に評価する (to evaluate fairly). This describes the manner in which an action is performed.
「利益を公平に分配することで、社員のモチベーションを高める。」
By distributing profits fairly, we increase employee motivation.
When using 公平 in a sentence, it is often paired with particles like を (object) or で (context). For example, 「公平を期す」(kōhei o kisu) is a set phrase meaning 'to ensure fairness' or 'to aim for impartiality.' This is a highly professional expression used in meetings and official documents.
You will encounter 公平 in a variety of structured environments where rules and evaluations are paramount. It is less common in casual 'hanging out' talk (where people might use ズルい - zurui for 'unfair') and more common in 'official' capacities.
- The Workplace: During performance reviews (人事評価 - jinji hyōka), managers must demonstrate that they are evaluating everyone 公平に. You will hear it in discussions about salary, promotions, and workload distribution.
- Legal and Political Contexts: News reports regarding court cases frequently use 公平な裁判 (a fair trial). Politicians use it when discussing tax systems (公平な税制) to suggest that the burden is shared justly.
- Sports and Competitions: Referees and commentators use it to describe the integrity of the game. If a decision seems biased, the crowd might complain about a lack of 公平性 (fairness/impartiality).
- Education: Teachers use it when explaining grading criteria or when resolving conflicts between students to show they aren't taking sides.
「今回の選挙が公平に行われたかどうか、国際社会が注視しています。」
The international community is closely watching whether this election was conducted fairly.
The most frequent mistake learners make is confusing 公平 (kōhei) with 平等 (byōdō). While they overlap, their focus is different.
公平 (Kōhei) - Impartiality
Focuses on treatment based on merit or rules. If person A works 10 hours and person B works 5 hours, giving person A more money is 公平 (fair), but not 平等 (equal).
平等 (Byōdō) - Equality
Focuses on identical outcomes or status. Giving both person A and person B the same amount of money regardless of work is 平等, but might be seen as 不公平 (unfair).
Another mistake is using 公平 to describe weather or appearance. In English, we say 'fair weather' or 'a fair maiden.' In Japanese, 公平 is strictly for justice and impartiality. For weather, use 晴天 (seiten); for beauty, use 美しい (utsukushii).
To truly master 公平, you should understand the words that surround it in the semantic field of 'fairness' and 'justice.'
- 1. 公正 (こうせい - Kōsei)
- Meaning: Justice, fairness, impartiality.
Difference: More formal and rigid. Used in terms like 'Social Justice' (社会公正) or 'Fair Trade' (公正取引). - 2. 平等 (びょうどう - Byōdō)
- Meaning: Equality.
Difference: Focuses on everyone being on the same level or receiving the same amount. - 3. 客観的 (きゃっかんてき - Kyakkanteki)
- Meaning: Objective.
Difference: While 公平 is about the result/treatment, 客観的 is about the perspective (looking at facts without emotion). - 4. 正当 (せいとう - Seitō)
- Meaning: Legitimate, justifiable.
Difference: Focuses on whether an action is 'right' or 'proper' according to rules or logic.
The Fairness Spectrum
How Formal Is It?
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
〜な adjective usage
〜に adverbial usage
〜さ suffix for nouns
〜を期す (set phrase)
〜に対して (towards/against)
Beispiele nach Niveau
先生は公平です。
The teacher is fair.
Simple A is B sentence structure.
公平なルールです。
It is a fair rule.
公平な (na-adjective) modifying a noun.
これは公平じゃない！
This isn't fair!
Negative form of the copula.
公平にしましょう。
Let's make it fair.
Adverbial use with 'suru' (to make/do).
公平な人ですね。
You are a fair person, aren't you?
Using 'ne' for agreement.
みんな公平です。
Everyone is fair.
Subject 'minna' (everyone).
公平が好きです。
I like fairness.
Simple preference.
公平なテストです。
It's a fair test.
Noun modification.
お菓子を公平に分けました。
I divided the sweets fairly.
Adverbial 'ni' with a verb.
このゲームは公平ではありません。
This game is not fair.
Formal negative form.
公平な判断が必要です。
A fair judgment is necessary.
Noun 'hitsuyō' (necessary).
彼はいつも公平に話します。
He always speaks fairly.
Frequency adverb 'itsumo'.
公平なチャンスをください。
Please give me a fair chance.
Requesting with 'kudasai'.
どちらのチームにも公平です。
It is fair to both teams.
Particle 'ni mo' (to both).
公平な社会を作りたいです。
I want to create a fair society.
Wanting to do something (~tai).
その意見は公平ですね。
That opinion is fair.
Describing an abstract noun (opinion).
不公平な扱いを受けて怒っています。
I am angry because I am being treated unfairly.
Using the antonym 'fukōhei'.
公平な競争をすることが大切です。
It is important to have fair competition.
Nominalizing a verb phrase with 'koto'.
裁判官は公平な立場でなければならない。
A judge must be in an impartial position.
Must be (~nakereba naranai).
給料が公平に決まっていないと感じる。
I feel that salaries are not decided fairly.
Verb in passive/state form.
公平な評価を得るために努力します。
I will work hard to get a fair evaluation.
Purpose clause 'tame ni'.
公平性を保つのは難しいことです。
Maintaining fairness is a difficult thing.
Noun form 'kōheisei'.
誰に対しても公平に接するべきだ。
You should treat everyone fairly.
Should (~beki da).
公平な視点から問題を考えましょう。
Let's consider the problem from a fair perspective.
Perspective 'shiten'.
公平な分配が行われるよう、制度を整える。
We will organize the system so that fair distribution takes place.
Purpose 'yō ni'.
彼は公平無私なリーダーとして尊敬されている。
He is respected as a fair and selfless leader.
Idiom 'kōhei-mushi'.
情報の公平な開示が求められています。
Fair disclosure of information is being demanded.
Passive voice 'motomerarete iru'.
公平を期すために、第三者に依頼した。
To ensure fairness, we requested a third party.
Set phrase 'kōhei o kisu'.
不公平感を解消するための対策を講じる。
Take measures to eliminate the feeling of unfairness.
Compound noun 'fukōheikan'.
公平な競争条件を整えることが政府の役割だ。
It is the government's role to establish fair competition conditions.
Condition 'jōken'.
その決定は、公平性の観点から疑問が残る。
That decision remains questionable from the standpoint of fairness.
Standpoint 'kanten'.
公平にチャンスが与えられるべき社会を目指す。
We aim for a society where chances are given fairly.
Aiming for (~o mezasu).
資源の公平な配分は、国際協力の鍵となる。
The equitable distribution of resources is key to international cooperation.
Resource 'shigen'.
法の下の公平は、民主主義の根幹である。
Fairness under the law is the foundation of democracy.
Foundation 'konkan'.
公平な競争を阻害する行為は厳しく罰せられる。
Acts that hinder fair competition are severely punished.
Hinder 'sogai suru'.
客観的かつ公平な基準を策定する必要がある。
It is necessary to formulate objective and fair standards.
Formulate 'sakutei suru'.
公平な負担を強いることで、社会の安定を図る。
By imposing a fair burden, we aim for social stability.
Impose 'shiiru'.
この論文は、公平な論理展開に欠けている。
This paper lacks a fair logical progression.
Lack 'kakete iru'.
機会の公平だけでなく、結果の公平も議論すべきだ。
We should discuss not only fairness of opportunity but also fairness of outcome.
Not only A but also B.
公平な審議を経て、新しい法律が採択された。
After fair deliberations, the new law was adopted.
Deliberation 'shingi'.
公平性の担保こそが、司法制度の信認を支える。
The guarantee of fairness is what supports the trust in the judicial system.
Guarantee 'tanpo'.
歴史的背景を鑑みれば、真の公平とは何かを問わざるを得ない。
Considering the historical background, one cannot help but question what true fairness is.
Cannot help but question (~wazaru o enai).
市場の公平性を歪める独占的行為を排除する。
Eliminate monopolistic acts that distort market fairness.
Distort 'yugameru'.
公平な富の再分配は、現代資本主義の最大の課題だ。
Fair redistribution of wealth is the greatest challenge of modern capitalism.
Redistribution 'saibanpai'.
彼は公平至極な裁定を下し、紛争を終結させた。
He delivered an extremely fair ruling and ended the conflict.
Extremely 'shigoku'.
公平という美名の下に、弱者が切り捨てられてはならない。
The weak must not be abandoned under the pretext of 'fairness.'
Pretext 'bimai no moto ni'.
アルゴリズムの公平性をどう定義するかは、AI倫理の核心だ。
How to define the fairness of algorithms is the core of AI ethics.
Core 'kakushin'.
普遍的な公平の概念を、多文化社会で共有するのは困難を極める。
Sharing a universal concept of fairness in a multicultural society is extremely difficult.
Extremely 'konnan o kiwameru'.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
Leicht verwechselbar
Satzmuster
[Noun] は公平だ。
[Noun] を公平に [Verb]。
公平な [Noun] を作る。
公平を期すために、[Action]。
誰に対しても公平であるべきだ。
公平性に欠ける [Noun]。
公平な判断を下す。
公平な分配を求める。
So verwendest du es
Used in the phrase '公平な裁判を受ける権利' (The right to a fair trial).
Essential for discussing KPIs and performance reviews.
Used when splitting a bill or sharing food.
- Using 公平 to mean 'average' or 'moderate'.
- Forgetting the 'na' in '公平な人'.
- Confusing it with 平等 (equality) in merit-based contexts.
- Using it for physical descriptions (fair hair/skin).
- Pronouncing it with short vowels (kohei instead of kōhei).
Tipps
The Scale Test
If you can imagine a scale being balanced, use 公平. If you are talking about everyone being the same height/level, use 平等.
Na-Adjective Rule
Don't forget the 'na' when modifying nouns: 公平な判断. Without 'na', it's just the noun 'fairness'.
Learn the Antonym
Learning 不公平 (fukōhei) at the same time will double your expressive power regarding justice.
Japanese Fairness
In Japan, fairness often means 'no one is left out.' Keep this group-harmony nuance in mind.
Formal Writing
Use 公平性 (kōheisei) in reports to discuss the 'quality of fairness' of a system.
Debate Opener
Start a sentence with '公平に見て...' (Looking at it fairly...) to sound objective.
Kanji Logic
公 (Public) + 平 (Level) = Publicly Level. This makes the meaning easy to remember.
News Keywords
Listen for this word during election coverage or court case reports.
Performance Reviews
Use this word when discussing why a certain evaluation was made.
Kōhei vs. Kōhai
Don't confuse Kōhei (fairness) with Kōhai (junior). One is about justice, the other is about seniority!
Einprägen
Wortherkunft
Classical Chinese origin (Sino-Japanese).
Kultureller Kontext
The 'Center Test' (university entrance exam) is the ultimate symbol of 'kōhei' in Japan—everyone takes the same test at the same time.
Fairness is even seen in gift-giving (Oseibo/Ochugen), where the value of the gift must be 'fair' relative to the recipient's status.
In Japanese sports, 'kōhei' is linked to 'bushido' (the way of the warrior), where winning unfairly is seen as worse than losing.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"「最近のニュースで、公平じゃないと感じることはありますか？」 (Is there anything in recent news that you feel is unfair?)"
"「仕事で公平な評価を受けるには、どうすればいいと思いますか？」 (What do you think is necessary to receive a fair evaluation at work?)"
"「子供の頃、兄弟と公平に扱われていましたか？」 (When you were a child, were you treated fairly with your siblings?)"
"「AIは人間に代わって公平な判断ができると思いますか？」 (Do you think AI can make fair judgments on behalf of humans?)"
"「スポーツの審判にビデオ判定を導入するのは、公平だと思いますか？」 (Do you think introducing video reviews for sports referees is fair?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Write about a time you felt you were treated unfairly (不公平). How did you react?
Describe what a 'fair society' (公平な社会) looks like to you.
Compare 'equality' (平等) and 'fairness' (公平) in your own words.
Should everyone be paid the same, or is it more 'fair' (公平) to pay based on performance?
Reflect on whether your own country's tax system is 'kōhei'.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, you can say '公平な人' (a fair person) to describe someone who doesn't play favorites and treats everyone according to the same rules.
They are very close. 公平 (kōhei) is used more in daily life and business for 'impartiality.' 公正 (kōsei) is more formal and refers to 'justice' or 'correctness' according to law or social standards.
It is a 'na-adjective' (adjectival noun). It can function as a noun (fairness) or an adjective (fair).
You can say '不公平だよ！' (Fukōhei da yo!) or more commonly 'ズルい！' (Zurui!).
No. For fair/light skin, use '色白' (irojiro) or '肌が白い' (hada ga shiroi).
It means 'to ensure fairness' or 'to aim for impartiality.' It is a formal set phrase.
Yes, constantly. It refers to the fairness of the referee's calls and the rules of the game.
The most direct opposite is '不公平' (fukōhei), meaning unfair or biased.
No. Use '晴天' (seiten) or '良い天気' (ii tenki).
It is usually '公平な取引' (kōhei na torihiki) or the katakana 'フェアトレード' (Fea Torēdo).
Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
公平 is the essential Japanese word for 'fairness' in a procedural or evaluative sense. It implies a 'public' standard that is 'level' for everyone, ensuring that personal bias does not influence the outcome.
- 公平 (kōhei) means being fair and impartial, like a balanced scale.
- It is a na-adjective used in professional and official contexts.
- Unlike 'equality' (平等), it focuses on unbiased treatment and rules.
- Commonly used in sports, law, and workplace evaluations.
The Scale Test
If you can imagine a scale being balanced, use 公平. If you are talking about everyone being the same height/level, use 平等.
Na-Adjective Rule
Don't forget the 'na' when modifying nouns: 公平な判断. Without 'na', it's just the noun 'fairness'.
Learn the Antonym
Learning 不公平 (fukōhei) at the same time will double your expressive power regarding justice.
Japanese Fairness
In Japan, fairness often means 'no one is left out.' Keep this group-harmony nuance in mind.
Beispiel
すべての参加者に公平な機会が与えられるべきだ。
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Mehr society Wörter
活動
B1Tätigkeit oder Aktivität, die eine Person oder Gruppe ausübt.
実態
B1Der tatsächliche Zustand oder die Realität einer Situation, insbesondere im Gegensatz zum Anschein.
行政
B1Die Verwaltung ist für die Umsetzung der Gesetze zuständig.
アメリカ
A1Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika. Ein häufig verwendetes Wort im Japanischen, um sich auf die USA zu beziehen.
権威
B1Die Macht oder das Recht, Befehle zu erteilen. Er ist eine Kapazität auf seinem Gebiet.
恩恵
B1A benefit or advantage derived from something. Used in IELTS for discussing the pros of technology or nature.
偏向
B2Eine Voreingenommenheit, Neigung oder Tendenz in eine bestimmte Richtung oder Ideologie. Wird oft verwendet, um mediale oder politische Einseitigkeit zu beschreiben.
候補者
B2A person who is being considered for a position, an award, or an office; a candidate.
慈善
B2Help or money given to those in need; an organization set up to provide help and raise money for those in need.
育児
B2Der Prozess der Pflege und Erziehung eines Kindes von der Geburt bis zur Selbstständigkeit.
