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B1 noun #3,000 más común 7 min de lectura

格差

kakusa
Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 格差 en 30 segundos
Explicación 格差 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '格差' (kakusa) yet. Instead, you would use simple words like '違い' (chigai) which means 'difference.' You might say 'This is big, that is small' to show a gap. '格差' is a very formal word used for big social problems, like rich people versus poor people. For now, focus on learning how to compare two things using 'AはBより...です' (A is more ... than B). If you hear 'kakusa,' just think of it as a 'very big and serious difference' between groups of people.
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At the A2 level, you might start seeing '格差' in simple news stories or classroom discussions about society. It means a 'gap' or 'disparity.' You can think of it as 'a difference in level.' For example, if one city has many schools and another has none, that is a '格差.' You will often see it with 'ある' (there is) or 'ない' (there isn't). Example: 'お金の格差があります' (There is a wealth gap). It's a noun, so you use it just like 'difference,' but for more serious topics like money or education.
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At the B1 level, you should be able to recognize and use '格差' in discussions about social issues. This is a key word for the JLPT N3/N2 level. You should understand that it refers to systemic inequality. Common phrases include '経済格差' (economic gap) and '格差が広がる' (the gap is widening). You should use this word instead of '違い' when you are talking about statistical or social differences between groups. It's very useful for writing essays about the environment, education, or the economy.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use '格差' fluently in formal contexts. You should be familiar with specific terms like '格差社会' (disparity society) and '情報格差' (digital divide). You should also know the verbs that often go with it, such as '是正する' (to correct/rectify) or '拡大する' (to expand). At this level, you understand the nuance that '格差' is often a negative thing that society tries to fix. You can use it to describe complex situations in business or politics, such as '地域間の経済格差' (economic disparity between regions).
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At the C1 level, '格差' is a fundamental tool for nuanced social analysis. You should be able to discuss the causes and consequences of various '格差,' such as '世代間格差' (intergenerational disparity) or '資産格差' (asset inequality). You can use it in academic writing to describe the '固定化' (solidification) of social strata. You should also be able to distinguish it from related terms like '不平等' (inequality) or '不均衡' (imbalance) and choose the most precise word for your context. You might use it in complex sentences like '格差の是正に向けた抜本的な改革' (radical reforms aimed at correcting the disparity).
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '格差' and its socio-political implications. You can use it to critique subtle systemic biases and discuss the philosophical underpinnings of 'meritocracy' versus 'kakusa shakai.' You are comfortable using it in high-level debates, legal contexts, or literary analysis. You understand how the term has evolved in Japanese history, particularly its prominence in the post-bubble era. Your usage includes sophisticated collocations and you can explain the statistical methods (like the Gini coefficient) used to measure these '格差' in professional settings.
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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

格差 en 30 segundos

  • Kakusa refers to a systemic gap or disparity between groups, most commonly used in economic, social, or educational contexts to describe inequality.
  • It is a formal noun, essential for JLPT N2/N1 levels and academic writing, and is frequently found in news reports and political debates.
  • Common collocations include 'widening gap' (格差が広がる) and 'correcting the gap' (格差を是正する), highlighting its role as a social issue.
  • It differs from 'chigai' (simple difference) by implying a hierarchical or quantitative distance that often suggests a need for systemic change.

The Japanese word 格差 (かくさ - kakusa) is a critical noun in modern Japanese discourse, particularly when discussing sociology, economics, and politics. At its core, it refers to a 'gap,' 'disparity,' or 'inequality' between different groups or entities. Unlike the simple word 違い (chigai), which denotes any kind of difference, 格差 specifically implies a hierarchical or quantitative distance that often suggests an unfair or problematic imbalance. The first kanji, 格 (kaku), relates to status, rank, or standard, while the second, 差 (sa), means difference or margin. Together, they describe a 'difference in status or level.'

Economic Context
Often used to describe the 'wealth gap' (経済格差) where the distribution of assets is uneven.
Social Context
Used for 'educational disparity' (教育格差) or 'regional disparity' (地域格差).
Digital Context
The 'digital divide' is translated as 情報格差 (jouhou kakusa).

日本では、都市部と地方の収入格差が広がっています。
In Japan, the income gap between urban and rural areas is widening.

In the 2000s, the term became a buzzword in Japan with the phrase 格差社会 (kakusa shakai - 'disparity society'), describing a society where social mobility is limited and the gap between the 'haves' and 'have-nots' is entrenched. This word is essential for anyone taking the JLPT N2 or N1, or those preparing for academic discussions in Japanese. It carries a weight of seriousness and is rarely used for trivial differences like the color of two shirts.

教育の機会における格差を是正する必要があります。
It is necessary to correct the disparity in educational opportunities.

Understanding 格差 requires looking at the systemic nature of the word. It isn't just about individual differences; it's about structural ones. For example, the 男女格差 (gender gap) refers to systemic differences in pay, promotion, and social expectations between men and women. This makes it a high-frequency word in news reports regarding the World Economic Forum's Gender Gap Index.

Common Collocations
格差が広がる (Gap widens), 格差を縮める (Narrow the gap), 格差が固定化する (Gap becomes fixed).

情報格差は、就職活動において不利に働くことがあります。
The digital divide can work to one's disadvantage during job hunting.

Using 格差 correctly involves understanding its formal tone. It is primarily a noun, and it often functions as the subject or object of verbs related to change, size, or correction. In a sentence, you will frequently see it paired with particles like が (ga) to indicate the gap exists, or を (o) when an action is being taken to change the gap.

Grammar Pattern 1: [Noun] + 格差
This is the most common way to specify what kind of gap you are talking about. Examples: 経済格差, 地域格差, 世代間格差.
Grammar Pattern 2: 格差 + が + [Verb of Change]
Used to describe the state of the gap. Examples: 格差が広がる (widens), 格差が縮まる (narrows), 格差が目立つ (becomes noticeable).

最近、若者の間でも経済的格差が深刻化しています。
Recently, economic disparity has been becoming more serious even among young people.

When writing an essay or giving a presentation, 格差 is used to present data or social observations. It is a 'cold' word—objective and analytical. If you want to express personal frustration about unfairness, you might use '不公平' (fukouhei), but if you are citing a report on why some people can't afford healthcare, 格差 is the correct choice.

先進国と途上国の間の格差をどう埋めるかが課題です。
The challenge is how to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries.

Another sophisticated use is 格差社会 (kakusa shakai). This term describes a society characterized by a large gap between the rich and the poor, where it is difficult for those at the bottom to move up. It is a common theme in Japanese modern literature and social commentary.

Common Verbs with 格差
広がる (to widen), 縮まる (to narrow), 是正する (to correct), 拡大する (to expand), 縮小する (to shrink).

この政策は、貧富の格差をさらに拡大させる恐れがある。
There is a fear that this policy might further expand the gap between the rich and the poor.

You will encounter 格差 in several specific environments. Understanding these contexts helps you recognize the word's weight and intended meaning immediately.

1. News and Media
News anchors often use it when discussing the 'Gini coefficient' or the 'Gender Gap Index.' It's a staple of NHK news reports on social issues.
2. Academic Lectures
In university courses related to sociology, economics, or political science, 格差 is used to analyze structural inequalities.
3. Political Debates
Politicians use the term when debating tax reforms, social welfare, or minimum wage increases.

「今回の選挙では、所得格差の是正が大きな争点となっています。」
'In this election, correcting income disparity has become a major point of contention.'

In documentaries (like those on NHK's 'Close-up Gendai'), you might hear about 教育格差 (educational disparity), where a child's academic future is determined by their parents' income. This is a very sensitive and frequently discussed topic in Japan.

デジタル・ディバイド、つまり情報格差を解消するための支援が必要です。
Support is needed to eliminate the digital divide, or information disparity.

You might also hear it in business meetings when discussing market segments. For instance, 地域間格差 (inter-regional disparity) might be brought up when explaining why sales are high in Tokyo but low in rural prefectures.

Common Phrases in Media
格差が深刻化する (Disparity becomes serious), 格差を放置する (Leave disparity unaddressed), 格差の固定化 (Fixing/solidifying of the gap).

コロナ禍で、持てる者と持たざる者の格差がより鮮明になった。
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the gap between the haves and have-nots became clearer.

While 格差 is a straightforward noun, learners often confuse it with other words that mean 'difference' or 'inequality.' Here are the most common pitfalls.

Mistake 1: Using 格差 for simple differences
Don't use 格差 for things like 'the difference between apple and orange.' Use 違い (chigai) or 相違 (soui) for that. 格差 implies a level or rank difference.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 差別 (Sabetsu)
差別 means 'discrimination' (an active, often illegal act of treating someone poorly). 格差 is the resulting 'gap' or 'disparity' (the statistical state).

❌ りんごとみかんの格差は何ですか？
✅ りんごとみかんの違いは何ですか？
What is the difference between apples and oranges?

Another mistake is using the wrong verb. While you can 'have' a difference (違いがある), with 格差, we usually talk about it 'widening' (広がる) or 'existing' (存在する) in a systemic way. Saying '格差を作る' (to make a gap) is possible but often sounds like you are intentionally creating inequality, which is rare in natural speech unless discussing policy.

❌ 彼と私の意見には大きな格差がある。
✅ 彼と私の意見には大きな隔たりがある。
There is a big gap (distance) between his opinion and mine.

Finally, watch out for the pronunciation. It is kakusa (short vowels). Some learners accidentally lengthen the 'u' or 'a', but it should be crisp. Also, remember that it is a noun; to use it as an adjective, you usually need to add '的な' (kakusa-teki na - disparity-like) or use it in a compound like '格差社会'.

Key Distinction
格差 = Statistical Gap/Disparity. 不平等 = Injustice/Inequality. 差別 = Discrimination.

To truly master 格差, you should know its synonyms and related terms, as they are often used interchangeably in different registers.

1. 差異 (Saii)
A formal word for 'difference.' It is more neutral than 格差 and is used in scientific or logical contexts.
2. 隔たり (Hedatari)
Literally 'distance' or 'gap.' Often used for emotional or conceptual distances between people or ideas.
3. 不平等 (Fubyoudou)
Inequality. This carries a stronger moral judgment than 格差. If something is 'fubyoudou,' it is inherently unfair.

両者の主張には大きな差異は見られない。
No significant difference is seen between the claims of both parties.

Another related term is 不均衡 (fukinkou), which means 'imbalance' or 'disequilibrium.' This is often used in economic contexts (e.g., trade imbalance). While 格差 focuses on the gap between levels, 不均衡 focuses on the lack of balance in a system.

理想と現実の隔たりに悩む。
To be troubled by the gap between ideal and reality.

In the context of wealth, you might also see 貧富の差 (hinpu no sa), which literally means 'the difference between poor and rich.' This is a more common, slightly less academic way of saying 経済格差. If you are speaking casually, 差 (sa) alone often suffices if the context is clear.

Summary of Synonyms
格差 (Disparity), 差異 (Difference/Divergence), 隔たり (Gap/Distance), 不平等 (Inequality), 不均衡 (Imbalance).

この二つのデータの間には統計的な差異がある。
There is a statistical difference between these two sets of data.

How Formal Is It?

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Gramática que debes saber

〜を巡って (concerning/surrounding)

〜に伴って (along with/as a result of)

〜恐れがある (there is a fear that)

〜どころか (far from/let alone)

〜に反して (contrary to)

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Ejemplos por nivel

1

この二つの間には大きな格差があります。

There is a big gap between these two.

Uses '格差があります' (there is a gap).

2

格差は「ちがい」と同じ意味ですか？

Does 'kakusa' mean the same as 'chigai'?

Asking for definition.

3

都会と田舎の格差について話します。

I will talk about the gap between the city and the countryside.

Topic marker 'について'.

4

お金の格差はよくないです。

The money gap is not good.

Simple adjective 'よくない'.

5

格差を知っていますか？

Do you know about 'kakusa'?

Object marker 'を'.

6

テストの点数に格差がある。

There is a gap in test scores.

Location marker 'に'.

7

格差をなくしたいです。

I want to eliminate the gap.

Desire form '〜たい'.

8

日本には格差がありますか？

Is there inequality in Japan?

Question form.

1

最近、貧富の格差が問題になっています。

Recently, the gap between the rich and the poor has become a problem.

Present continuous '〜になっています'.

2

教育の格差をなくすのは難しいです。

It is difficult to eliminate the educational gap.

Nominalizing a verb with 'の'.

3

この町には大きな格差が見られます。

A large disparity can be seen in this town.

Passive/Potential '見られる'.

4

格差を広げないようにしましょう。

Let's try not to widen the gap.

Negative purpose '〜ないように'.

5

情報の格差は生活に影響します。

The information gap affects daily life.

Verb '影響する' (to affect).

6

男女の格差について考えましょう。

Let's think about the gender gap.

Volitional form '〜ましょう'.

7

格差が大きくなると、困る人が増えます。

When the gap gets bigger, the number of people in trouble increases.

Conditional '〜と'.

8

世界にはいろいろな格差があります。

There are various disparities in the world.

Adjective 'いろいろな'.

1

都市部と地方の収入格差が拡大している。

The income gap between urban and rural areas is expanding.

Formal verb '拡大する'.

2

格差社会を是正するための政策が必要です。

Policies to correct the disparity society are necessary.

Purpose 'ための'.

3

親の年収が子供の教育格差につながっている。

Parents' annual income is leading to an educational gap for children.

Verb 'つながる' (to lead to).

4

この国では、デジタル格差が深刻な課題だ。

In this country, the digital divide is a serious issue.

Noun '課題' (challenge/issue).

5

格差が広がると、社会の不安定化を招く恐れがある。

If the gap widens, there is a fear it will lead to social instability.

Expression '〜恐れがある' (fear that...).

6

賃金格差を解消するために、新しい法律が作られた。

A new law was created to eliminate the wage gap.

Passive '作られた'.

7

世代間の格差をどう埋めるかが議論されている。

How to bridge the intergenerational gap is being discussed.

Embedded question '〜か'.

8

統計データは、資産格差の現状を示している。

Statistical data shows the current state of asset disparity.

Verb '示す' (to show/indicate).

1

グローバル化は、国家間の格差をさらに助長したと言われる。

It is said that globalization has further promoted the gap between nations.

Causative/Resultative '助長した'.

2

所得格差の是正は、持続可能な社会の実現に不可欠だ。

Correcting income disparity is essential for realizing a sustainable society.

Adjective '不可欠' (essential).

3

非正規雇用者の増加が、格差の固定化を招いている。

The increase in non-regular employees is leading to the solidification of the gap.

Noun '固定化' (solidification).

4

地域格差を是正するために、地方創生が推進されている。

To correct regional disparities, regional revitalization is being promoted.

Compound noun '地方創生'.

5

男女の賃金格差を公表することが義務付けられた。

It has become mandatory to disclose the gender wage gap.

Passive '義務付けられた' (made mandatory).

6

学歴による格差が、若者の意欲を削いでいる可能性がある。

Disparity based on educational background may be dampening the motivation of young people.

Verb '削ぐ' (to dampen/weaken).

7

このレポートは、情報格差が経済成長に与える影響を分析している。

This report analyzes the impact of the digital divide on economic growth.

Relative clause modifying '影響'.

8

格差の拡大を放置すれば、民主主義の危機を招きかねない。

If the expansion of the gap is left unaddressed, it could lead to a crisis of democracy.

Grammar '〜かねない' (might happen).

1

新自由主義的な政策が、結果として格差の拡大を加速させた。

Neoliberal policies resulted in accelerating the expansion of the gap.

Adverbial '結果として'.

2

社会階層の固定化は、機会の平等という理念を形骸化させる。

The solidification of social strata renders the ideal of equality of opportunity a mere formality.

Verb '形骸化させる' (to make a hollow shell).

3

再分配機能の弱体化が、格差社会をより深刻なものにしている。

The weakening of the redistribution function is making the disparity society more serious.

Noun '再分配' (redistribution).

4

パンデミックは、既存の社会格差を浮き彫りにした。

The pandemic highlighted existing social disparities.

Idiom '浮き彫りにする' (to highlight/expose).

5

教育格差の連鎖を断ち切るためには、早期の介入が必要だ。

To break the cycle of educational disparity, early intervention is necessary.

Noun '連鎖' (chain/cycle).

6

都市部への一極集中が、深刻な地域間格差を生んでいる。

The over-concentration in urban areas is creating serious inter-regional disparities.

Noun '一極集中' (over-concentration).

7

ジェンダー・ギャップ指数において、日本は依然として大きな格差を抱えている。

In the Gender Gap Index, Japan still harbors a large disparity.

Adverb '依然として' (still/as before).

8

格差の是正は、単なる経済問題ではなく、人権の問題でもある。

Correcting the gap is not just an economic issue, but also a human rights issue.

Structure '〜ではなく、〜でもある'.

1

メリトクラシーの裏側で進行する格差の固定化を直視すべきだ。

We should face the solidification of disparity progressing behind the scenes of meritocracy.

Verb '直視する' (to face squarely).

2

資本主義の構造的矛盾が、不可避的に富の格差を増大させる。

The structural contradictions of capitalism inevitably increase the wealth gap.

Adverb '不可避的に' (inevitably).

3

ジニ係数の上昇は、社会の統合を脅かす格差の兆候である。

The rise in the Gini coefficient is a sign of disparity threatening social integration.

Noun '兆候' (sign/indication).

4

格差の再生産を抑制するための抜本的な税制改革が求められる。

Radical tax reform to suppress the reproduction of disparity is required.

Noun '再生産' (reproduction).

5

デジタル・トランスフォーメーションが新たな情報格差を創出している。

Digital transformation is creating new information disparities.

Noun '創出' (creation).

6

格差の是正を巡る議論は、しばしばイデオロギー的な対立を伴う。

Discussions surrounding the correction of the gap often involve ideological conflict.

Grammar '〜を巡る' (concerning).

7

相対的貧困率の推移は、見えにくい格差の深化を物語っている。

The trend in the relative poverty rate tells the story of the deepening of invisible disparities.

Verb '物語る' (to tell/narrate).

8

社会的包摂を実現するには、格差の構造的要因を解明しなければならない。

To achieve social inclusion, the structural factors of disparity must be elucidated.

Noun '社会的包摂' (social inclusion).

Sinónimos

差異 不平等 隔たり ギャップ

Colocaciones comunes

格差が広がる (Gap widens)
格差を是正する (Correct the gap)
格差を縮める (Narrow the gap)
格差が固定化する (Gap becomes fixed)
格差が深刻化する (Gap becomes serious)
格差を解消する (Eliminate the gap)
格差を放置する (Leave the gap unaddressed)
格差を生む (Create a gap)
格差を助長する (Promote/exacerbate the gap)
格差が目立つ (Gap is noticeable)

Frases Comunes

経済格差 (Economic disparity)
教育格差 (Educational disparity)
地域格差 (Regional disparity)
世代間格差 (Intergenerational disparity)
所得格差 (Income disparity)
男女格差 (Gender gap)
情報格差 (Digital divide)
資産格差 (Asset disparity)
格差社会 (Disparity society)
賃金格差 (Wage gap)

Se confunde a menudo con

格差 vs 差別 (Sabetsu)

格差 vs 違い (Chigai)

格差 vs 不公平 (Fukouhei)

Modismos y expresiones

"雲泥の差 (Undei no sa) - A world of difference (like clouds and mud)"
"月とすっぽん (Tsuki to suppon) - As different as the moon and a soft-shell turtle"
"提灯に釣鐘 (Chouchin ni tsurigane) - An unbalanced pair (lantern and temple bell)"
"格差を浮き彫りにする (To highlight the gap)"
"格差の連鎖を断ち切る (To break the cycle of disparity)"
"持てる者と持たざる者 (The haves and the have-nots)"
"二極化する (To polarize into two extremes)"
"底辺に沈む (To sink to the bottom of society)"
"勝ち組・負け組 (Winners and losers - social slang)"
"格差の壁 (The wall of disparity)"

Fácil de confundir

格差 vs

格差 vs

格差 vs

格差 vs

格差 vs

Patrones de oraciones

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Cómo usarlo

Tone

Serious, analytical, often negative.

Nuance

It is more objective than 'sabetsu' (discrimination) and more formal than 'chigai' (difference).

Frequency

Extremely high in Japanese media since 2006.

Errores comunes
  • Using it for simple differences (e.g., color, taste).
  • Confusing it with 'sabetsu' (discrimination).
  • Using 'kakusa suru' as a verb (it's a noun).
  • Mispronouncing the pitch accent.
  • Using it for individual differences (use 'kojinsa' instead).

Consejos

Context Matters

Only use 'kakusa' when talking about social or quantitative levels. For 'difference in taste,' use 'konomi no chigai'.

Noun Compounds

It often forms compounds. Learn '経済格差' as a single unit rather than two separate words.

Social Sensitivity

When discussing 'kakusa' in Japan, be aware it is a sensitive political topic related to the middle class.

JLPT Tip

In reading sections, 'kakusa' often signals a passage about social problems or economic trends.

Formal Tone

In essays, use '格差の是正' (correction of disparity) to sound more academic.

News Keywords

When you hear 'kakusa,' expect to hear numbers or percentages soon after.

Synonym Choice

Choose 'fubyoudou' if you want to emphasize unfairness, and 'kakusa' if you want to emphasize the gap itself.

Collocation

Always remember '格差が広がる' (widens) and '格差を縮める' (narrows).

Kanji Breakdown

格 (Status) + 差 (Difference) = Status Difference.

Advanced Usage

Use '格差の固定化' to describe a situation where the poor stay poor and the rich stay rich.

Memorízalo

Origen de la palabra

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexto cultural

The 'Juku' (cram school) culture is often cited as a cause of '教育格差' because only wealthy families can afford them.

Japan consistently ranks low on the Global Gender Gap Index, making '男女格差' a frequent topic in media.

The decline of rural areas compared to the prosperity of Tokyo is the primary '地域格差' issue.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"日本の格差社会についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about Japan's disparity society?)"

"あなたの国では教育格差がありますか？ (Is there an educational gap in your country?)"

"デジタル格差をなくすにはどうすればいいでしょうか？ (What should be done to eliminate the digital divide?)"

"最近、貧富の格差が広がっていると感じますか？ (Do you feel the gap between rich and poor is widening lately?)"

"男女の賃金格差について、どう解決すべきだと思いますか？ (How do you think the gender wage gap should be solved?)"

Temas para diario

身近に感じる「格差」について書いてください。 (Write about a 'gap' you feel in your daily life.)

格差社会のメリットとデメリットを考えてみましょう。 (Consider the pros and cons of a disparity society.)

もしあなたが総理大臣なら、どうやって格差を是正しますか？ (If you were the Prime Minister, how would you correct the gap?)

教育格差は個人の努力で克服できると思いますか？ (Do you think educational disparity can be overcome by individual effort?)

インターネットは情報格差を広げたと思いますか、それとも縮めたと思いますか？ (Do you think the internet widened or narrowed the information gap?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Usually, yes. It implies an imbalance that society views as a problem to be solved.

No, use '点差' (tensa) for score differences.

The most direct opposite is '平等' (byoudou - equality) or '均衡' (kinkou - balance).

Yes, it is commonly found in N2 and N1 levels.

It is '情報格差' (jouhou kakusa) or the loanword 'デジタル・ディバイド'.

No, use '個人差' (kojinsa) for individual differences.

It refers to a society where the gap between social classes is large and rigid.

Yes, for market disparities or wage differences between companies.

'Soui' is a formal word for 'discrepancy' or 'difference in opinion,' while 'kakusa' is about levels/ranks.

'Hirogaru' (to widen) is the most common verb used with it.

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