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A1 noun #2,699 most common 8 min read

水平

suihei
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 水平 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 水平 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn '水平' (suihei) as a word that means 'flat' or 'level,' like a table or the floor. Think of the kanji: '水' is water and '平' is flat. Water in a glass is always 'suihei' (level). You might use it when talking about furniture. For example, 'The table is level' (テーブルは水平です). It is a basic word to describe how things are positioned. You don't need to worry about the technical details yet, just remember it means 'not tilted.' It is the opposite of 'vertical' or 'leaning.' When you draw a line straight from left to right, that is a 'suihei' line. It's a useful word for basic descriptions of your room or simple objects. Even at this early stage, knowing 'suihei' helps you describe the world more accurately than just saying 'straight' (massugu).
At the A2 level, you can start using '水平' (suihei) to describe more specific situations, like hanging a picture or looking at the sea. You will often see it used with the particle 'ni' to make it an adverb: '水平に' (suihei ni), which means 'horizontally.' For example, 'Please hold the camera horizontally' (カメラを水平に持ってください). You should also learn the word '水平線' (suiheisen), which means the 'horizon' at the sea. This is a very common word in Japanese stories and songs. At this level, you are moving beyond just naming objects to describing actions and natural scenes. You can distinguish between 'suihei' (level) and 'suichoku' (vertical). If you are building something simple, like a Lego tower or a shelf, 'suihei' is a key word to ensure your creation doesn't fall over. It's about maintaining balance and a flat orientation.
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At the B1 level, '水平' (suihei) becomes a technical and descriptive tool. You will encounter it in science contexts, geography, and more detailed instructions. You should understand the difference between '水平' (suihei - level with gravity) and '平行' (heikou - parallel to another line). You might use it to describe the movement of an object: 'The plane is flying horizontally' (飛行機が水平に飛んでいる). You will also see it in more formal writing. For example, in a manual for setting up a computer monitor or a washing machine, the instructions will emphasize the importance of a '水平な場所' (suihei na basho - a level place). At this level, you should be comfortable using the word in both spoken and written Japanese to provide precise information about the physical state of things. You might also start to see it in metaphorical ways, like 'horizontal relationships' in a group.
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At the B2 level, you should be familiar with the abstract and metaphorical uses of '水平' (suihei). A key phrase is '水平展開' (suihei tenkai), which is used in business to mean 'applying a successful method to other areas.' For example, 'We should apply this success horizontally across the company.' You will also hear it in discussions about social structures. A '水平な関係' (suihei na kankei) refers to an egalitarian relationship where people are equals, as opposed to a 'suichoku' (vertical) or hierarchical relationship. This is a common topic in Japanese sociology and business management discussions. You should be able to use 'suihei' to describe not just physical lines, but also strategies, social dynamics, and logical structures. Your understanding should include the nuance that 'suihei' implies a lack of hierarchy and a focus on lateral connection.
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At the C1 level, your use of '水平' (suihei) should be nuanced and precise. You will encounter it in academic papers, technical engineering documents, and high-level literature. You might read about '水平的分業' (suihei-teki bungyou - horizontal division of labor) in economics or '水平磁気記録' (suihei jiki kiroku - horizontal magnetic recording) in computer science. You should be able to discuss the philosophical implications of 'suihei' in Japanese thought, such as the 'Suiheisha' movement for social equality. At this level, you are expected to understand how 'suihei' functions in complex compounds and how it contributes to the overall tone of a formal discourse. You can use it to describe subtle shifts in perspective or complex organizational charts. The word is no longer just about a flat surface; it is a conceptual tool for describing symmetry, equality, and lateral logic in any field.
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At the C2 level, '水平' (suihei) is a versatile concept that you can manipulate in sophisticated ways. You might use it in a lecture on fluid dynamics to describe the 'suihei-men' (horizontal plane) of a rotating liquid, or in a philosophical treatise on the 'horizontal' nature of modern digital networks versus traditional 'vertical' power structures. You should be able to appreciate the poetic use of 'suihei' in classical and modern literature, where it might symbolize the boundary between life and death or the vastness of the human mind. Your mastery includes the ability to use the word in rare idioms or to create your own metaphors. You understand the deep etymological roots and how they contrast with other 'flatness' words like 'heiban' or 'heitan.' At this level, 'suihei' is a thread you can weave into complex arguments about physics, society, and the human condition with perfect naturalness and precision.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

水平 in 30 Seconds

  • 水平 (Suihei) means level or horizontal, derived from the flatness of water.
  • It is commonly used in construction, photography, and to describe the sea horizon.
  • In business and sociology, it refers to lateral, non-hierarchical relationships and expansion.
  • It is a noun often used with 'ni' (adverbially) or 'no' (adjectivally).

The Japanese word 水平 (suihei) is a foundational term that describes the state of being perfectly flat, level, or parallel to the horizon. Etymologically, it is composed of two kanji: 水 (sui) meaning 'water' and 平 (hei) meaning 'flat' or 'even'. This combination is highly evocative, as it refers to the physical property of still water, which naturally forms a perfectly level surface due to gravity. When you look at a calm lake or the distant ocean, you are witnessing the literal embodiment of suihei. In a broader sense, it is used to describe anything that does not tilt or slope, maintaining a consistent elevation across its entire span. This concept is vital in fields ranging from simple carpentry to advanced physics and organizational theory.

Physical Orientation
Refers to a line or plane that is at right angles to the vertical (plumb) line.
Visual Horizon
The line where the earth's surface and the sky appear to meet, specifically at sea.
Social/Organizational
Describes relationships or structures that are peer-based rather than hierarchical.

この棚を水平に設置してください。 (Please install this shelf horizontally/level.)

Understanding suihei requires distinguishing it from its counterparts. While suichoku (垂直) refers to the vertical, suihei is its 90-degree partner. In Japanese culture, the balance between these two is often seen as a metaphor for stability. A house must be suihei to stand correctly; a person's perspective might be described as suihei if they view others as equals. The term is not merely technical; it carries a sense of calm and precision. When a carpenter uses a level (水平器 - suiheiki), they are seeking that perfect 'water-flatness' that ensures the integrity of the structure. In the context of the ocean, the suiheisen (水平線) represents the infinite boundary of the world, a common motif in Japanese poetry and literature to signify distance, hope, or the unknown.

海と空の境目が水平に見える。 (The boundary between the sea and the sky looks horizontal.)

Furthermore, suihei extends into abstract realms. In modern business Japanese, 'horizontal expansion' (水平展開 - suihei tenkai) refers to taking a successful idea or solution from one department and applying it across others at the same level. This lateral movement is contrasted with vertical growth. Thus, the word moves from the physical reality of water to the strategic movements of a corporation. Whether you are talking about the floor of a room, the horizon of the Pacific, or the egalitarian structure of a startup, suihei provides the linguistic framework for 'flatness' and 'equality'. It is a word that anchors the speaker in a world of balanced planes and steady surfaces.

床が水平ではないので、机が揺れる。 (The floor isn't level, so the desk wobbles.)

彼は常に水平な視点で物事を考える。 (He always thinks about things from a horizontal/equal perspective.)

カメラを水平に保つことが重要だ。 (It is important to keep the camera level.)

Using 水平 (suihei) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that often functions as a 'no-adjective' (水平の) or an adverbial phrase with 'ni' (水平に). It is most frequently used to describe physical alignment. If you are hanging a picture frame, you want it to be suihei. If you are building a foundation, suihei is your primary goal. In these contexts, it is often paired with verbs like tamotsu (to maintain), dasu (to find/calculate), or tamotsu (to keep).

In technical and professional settings, you will encounter suihei in various compound words. For example, a 水平器 (suiheiki) is a spirit level used by builders. A 水平線 (suiheisen) is the horizon line at sea. Note that for the horizon on land (where mountains might be involved), the term chiheisen (地平線) is used instead. This distinction is crucial: suihei specifically evokes the flatness of water. Therefore, if you are at the beach, you look at the suiheisen; if you are in the desert, you look at the chiheisen.

Beyond the physical, suihei is used to describe social and organizational structures. A 'horizontal society' (水平社会 - suihei shakai) is one where hierarchy is minimized, and people interact as equals. This is often discussed in sociology or when comparing different corporate cultures. In project management, 水平展開 (suihei tenkai) is a very common phrase. It means 'lateral spread'—taking a lesson learned in one area and sharing it with all other relevant areas to prevent the same mistake or replicate a success. This is a key concept in Japanese 'Kaizen' (continuous improvement) culture.

Grammatically, remember that suihei is a noun. To say 'horizontal line', you say suihei no sen (水平の線) or simply suiheisen (水平線). To say 'move horizontally', you say suihei ni ugoku (水平に動く). It is rarely used as a na-adjective in modern standard Japanese, though you might occasionally see it. Stick to no and ni for the most natural phrasing. When describing a state, suihei da (It is level) is perfectly acceptable. If you are checking for levelness, you might ask, 'Suihei wa torete imasu ka?' (Is the levelness achieved?).

You will hear 水平 (suihei) in a variety of everyday and specialized environments. One of the most common places is in a DIY or construction context. If you are helping a friend move furniture or hang shelves, the word will inevitably come up as you try to ensure everything is straight. 'Motto suihei ni shite' (Make it more level) is a common instruction. In architecture and engineering offices, suihei is a constant technical requirement for blueprints and structural integrity checks.

In the world of photography and videography, suihei is a critical concept. Professional cameras often have a 'suihei-ki' (electronic level) built into the viewfinder to help photographers keep the horizon straight. A tilted horizon is often seen as a sign of amateur work, so instructors will frequently remind students to 'suihei o kakunin shite' (check the level). Similarly, in sports like swimming or gymnastics, coaches might talk about keeping the body suihei in the water or in the air to minimize resistance or maintain form.

Weather reports and maritime broadcasts are another frequent source. When describing the visibility at sea, announcers might mention the suiheisen. Sailors and pilots use the term constantly for navigation. In a more abstract sense, you might hear it in news reports regarding 'horizontal' cooperation between countries or companies. For example, a 'suihei-teki na teikei' (horizontal alliance) between two tech giants. It is also a key term in historical contexts, specifically referring to the Suiheisha (Levelers Association), a group formed in 1922 to fight for the rights of the Burakumin (outcast) community in Japan, aiming for a 'level' or equal society.

A frequent mistake for learners is confusing 水平 (suihei) with 平ら (taira). While both relate to flatness, taira describes a surface that is smooth and without bumps (like a flat road), whereas suihei specifically describes the orientation of a surface relative to the earth's gravity (level). A road can be taira (smooth) but still be on a steep hill (not suihei). Conversely, a surface could be suihei (level) but very rough or bumpy (not taira). Using suihei when you mean 'smooth' will confuse native speakers.

Another common error is the confusion between 水平線 (suiheisen) and 地平線 (chiheisen). As mentioned before, suiheisen is strictly for the sea horizon. If you are standing in a field or looking at the horizon over land, you must use chiheisen. Using suiheisen in the mountains sounds unnatural, as if there is a flood coming. Remember: sui = water, chi = earth/land.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the difference between suihei and yoko (横). Yoko is a more general word for 'side,' 'beside,' or 'horizontal direction' in a relative sense. Suihei is a more formal, absolute term. For example, if you tell someone to lie down 'yoko ni naru', it's common. If you say 'suihei ni naru', it sounds like you are a piece of lumber being positioned by a carpenter. Use yoko for everyday directions and suihei for technical levelness or the horizon.

Several words share semantic space with 水平 (suihei). The most direct antonym is 垂直 (suichoku), meaning vertical or perpendicular. In geometry, these two form the basis of the coordinate system. Another related word is 平行 (heikou), which means 'parallel'. While suihei is an absolute orientation (level with the ground), heikou describes the relationship between two lines or planes that never meet, regardless of their orientation to the ground.

平坦 (heitan) is another synonym, often used to describe flat terrain or a 'level' path in life. It suggests a lack of ups and downs, both literally and figuratively. 均等 (kintou) means 'equal' or 'even' in terms of distribution, such as dividing money kintou ni. While suihei can imply social equality, kintou is the standard word for mathematical or physical evenness in distribution. フラット (furatto), the loanword from English 'flat', is also increasingly common in business contexts to describe non-hierarchical 'flat' organizations, often used interchangeably with suihei-teki.

Finally, 横 (yoko) is the most common everyday word for 'horizontal' or 'sideways'. While suihei is technical and precise, yoko is used for writing (yokogaki), looking sideways (yoko o miru), or lying down. If you are talking about the orientation of a piece of paper, you would say 'yoko naga' (long sideways/landscape) rather than suihei. Understanding these nuances helps in choosing the word that fits the register and specific physical context of your conversation.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Noun + に (Adverbial formation)

Noun + の (Adjectival formation)

〜にする (To make something [state])

〜を保つ (To maintain [state])

〜が見える (To be able to see [noun])

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Examples by Level

1

この机は水平です。

This desk is level.

Uses 'suihei' as a noun with 'desu'.

2

水平に線を引きます。

I draw a horizontal line.

Adverbial use with 'ni'.

3

床が水平ではありません。

The floor is not level.

Negative form 'dewa arimasen'.

4

水平なところを探してください。

Please look for a level place.

Uses 'na' to modify 'tokoro'.

5

本を水平に置きます。

I put the book down horizontally.

Adverbial use with 'ni'.

6

この棚は水平ですか？

Is this shelf level?

Question form.

7

水平に並べてください。

Please line them up horizontally.

Request form with 'te kudasai'.

8

水面はいつも水平です。

The water surface is always level.

General truth statement.

1

カメラを水平に持って写真を撮ります。

Hold the camera level and take a photo.

Compound sentence with 'te' form.

2

海に水平線が見えます。

I can see the horizon on the sea.

Introduction of 'suiheisen'.

3

額縁を水平に直しました。

I straightened the picture frame to be level.

Past tense verb 'naoshimashita'.

4

水平器を使って確認します。

I will check using a level tool.

Introduction of 'suiheiki'.

5

スマホを水平に置くと、動画が見やすいです。

If you place the phone horizontally, it's easy to watch videos.

Conditional 'to' structure.

6

この道は水平で歩きやすい。

This road is level and easy to walk on.

Te-form of noun for 'and'.

7

飛行機が水平に飛んでいます。

The airplane is flying horizontally.

Present continuous 'te imasu'.

8

地図を水平に広げてください。

Please spread the map out horizontally.

Specific action request.

1

建築では、土台を水平にすることが最も重要です。

In construction, making the foundation level is most important.

Nominalized verb 'suru koto'.

2

船が揺れて、水平線が上下に動く。

The boat rocks, and the horizon moves up and down.

Causal 'te' form.

3

このセンサーは、水平方向の動きを検知します。

This sensor detects horizontal movement.

Compound 'suihei houkou'.

4

バランスを取るために、腕を水平に広げた。

I spread my arms horizontally to keep my balance.

Purpose 'tame ni'.

5

画面の水平がずれているので、調整が必要です。

The screen's level is off, so adjustment is needed.

Noun use 'suihei' meaning 'levelness'.

6

水平な視線で相手と向き合う。

Face the other person with a horizontal (equal) gaze.

Metaphorical use of 'shisen'.

7

この湖の表面は、鏡のように水平だ。

The surface of this lake is level like a mirror.

Simile 'no you ni'.

8

三脚を使って、カメラを完全に水平に保つ。

Use a tripod to keep the camera perfectly level.

Adverb 'kanzen ni' modifying 'suihei ni'.

1

成功したプロジェクトを他部署にも水平展開する。

We will horizontally expand the successful project to other departments.

Business term 'suihei tenkai'.

2

この組織は、上意下達ではなく水平な関係を重視している。

This organization values horizontal relationships rather than top-down ones.

Contrast 'joui-kadatsu' vs 'suihei'.

3

地震で家が傾き、水平が保てなくなった。

The house tilted due to the earthquake, and levelness could not be maintained.

Potential negative 'tamotenaku natta'.

4

水平磁気記録方式により、ハードディスクの容量が増えた。

The horizontal magnetic recording method increased hard drive capacity.

Technical compound.

5

彼は誰に対しても水平な態度で接する。

He treats everyone with a horizontal (equal) attitude.

Abstract personality description.

6

このソフトは、写真の水平を自動で補正してくれる。

This software automatically corrects the level of photos.

Benefactive 'te kureru'.

7

議論を水平方向に広げるのではなく、深掘りすべきだ。

Instead of expanding the discussion horizontally, we should dig deeper.

Metaphorical direction.

8

水平思考（ラテラルシンキング）で新しいアイデアを出す。

Generate new ideas through horizontal thinking (lateral thinking).

Introduction of 'suihei shikou'.

1

水平社宣言は、日本の人権運動において極めて重要な文書だ。

The Suiheisha Declaration is an extremely important document in Japan's human rights movement.

Historical proper noun 'Suiheisha'.

2

重力波の観測には、極めて高い精度の水平維持が求められる。

Observing gravitational waves requires extremely high-precision level maintenance.

Technical compound 'suihei iji'.

3

グローバル化により、経済活動の水平的分業が進んでいる。

Due to globalization, the horizontal division of labor in economic activities is progressing.

Economic term 'suihei-teki bungyou'.

4

この建築物は、水平線を強調したデザインが特徴です。

This building is characterized by a design that emphasizes horizontal lines.

Architectural description.

5

情報の水平な流通が、イノベーションを加速させる。

The horizontal flow of information accelerates innovation.

Abstract noun modification.

6

権力の分散を図るため、水平的な組織構造を採用した。

To distribute power, a horizontal organizational structure was adopted.

Formal purpose 'hakaru tame'.

7

その哲学者は、存在の水平性を説いた。

The philosopher preached the horizontality of existence.

Abstract noun 'suihei-sei'.

8

水平面における摩擦係数を算出する。

Calculate the coefficient of friction on a horizontal plane.

Physics terminology.

1

都市の景観において、垂直的な高層ビルと水平的な広場の対比が美しい。

In the city landscape, the contrast between vertical skyscrapers and horizontal plazas is beautiful.

Sophisticated aesthetic contrast.

2

近代化の過程で、地域社会の垂直的な紐帯は水平的なネットワークへと変容した。

In the process of modernization, the vertical bonds of local communities transformed into horizontal networks.

Sociological analysis.

3

この詩において、水平線は生と死のあわいを象徴している。

In this poem, the horizon symbolizes the threshold between life and death.

Literary analysis.

4

多国籍企業における水平的統合の是非を巡って、激しい議論が交わされた。

Fierce debates were held over the pros and cons of horizontal integration in multinational corporations.

Complex business/legal context.

5

重力屈性が植物の茎を垂直に伸ばし、根を水平に広げる仕組みを研究する。

Research the mechanism by which gravitropism makes plant stems grow vertically and roots spread horizontally.

Biological technicality.

6

デジタル時代の知は、垂直的な蓄積から水平的な連結へとその重心を移している。

Knowledge in the digital age is shifting its center of gravity from vertical accumulation to horizontal connection.

Epistemological shift.

7

裁判官は、法の前での水平な平等を守る義務がある。

Judges have a duty to uphold horizontal equality before the law.

Legal philosophy.

8

宇宙空間には絶対的な水平は存在しないが、便宜上の基準面が設定される。

Absolute horizontality does not exist in outer space, but reference planes are set for convenience.

Scientific/Philosophical nuance.

Synonyms

横 フラット 平ら 平行 レベル 均等

Antonyms

垂直 鉛直

Common Collocations

水平を保つ (keep level)
水平に置く (place horizontally)
水平を確認する (check the level)
水平が出る (achieve levelness)
水平な位置 (horizontal position)
水平方向に (in a horizontal direction)
水平を出す (to level something)
水平が狂う (to become unlevel)
水平を維持する (maintain levelness)
水平に広がる (spread horizontally)

Common Phrases

水平線 (horizon at sea)
水平器 (spirit level)
水平展開 (horizontal expansion/rollout)
水平思考 (lateral thinking)
水平関係 (horizontal relationship)
水平分業 (horizontal division of labor)
水平移動 (horizontal movement)
水平磁気記録 (horizontal magnetic recording)
水平対向エンジン (horizontally opposed engine)
水平社 (Suiheisha - historical group)

Often Confused With

水平 vs 平ら (taira)

Taira means smooth/flat surface; Suihei means level with the ground.

水平 vs 横 (yoko)

Yoko is a general direction; Suihei is a specific geometric orientation.

水平 vs 平行 (heikou)

Heikou means parallel to another line; Suihei means parallel to the ground.

Idioms & Expressions

"水平の視点 (an equal/unbiased perspective)"
"水平線を追う (to chase the horizon/pursue a distant goal)"
"水平に物を見る (to see things as equals)"
"水平を極める (to reach perfect balance/levelness)"
"水平に広がる夢 (dreams that spread wide/far)"
"水平の波 (calm, steady waves)"
"水平の絆 (lateral bonds of friendship)"
"水平の壁 (a horizontal barrier/plateau)"
"水平の道 (a flat, easy path)"
"水平の理 (the principle of equality)"

Easily Confused

水平 vs

水平 vs

水平 vs

水平 vs

水平 vs

Sentence Patterns

Word Family

Related

平日 (heijitsu - weekday)
平和 (heiwa - peace)
平均 (heikin - average)
平気 (heiki - calm/unconcerned)
地平 (chihei - ground level)
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How to Use It

visual

Associated with stability and calm.

technical

In engineering, 'suihei' is relative to the geoid.

metaphorical

Implies fairness and lack of bias.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'suiheisen' for a land horizon.
  • Using 'suihei' to mean 'smooth' (should be 'taira').
  • Forgetting the 'ni' when using it as an adverb.
  • Confusing it with 'heikou' (parallel).
  • Pronouncing it with a rising accent (it's flat).

Tips

Water Connection

Always remember the 'water' kanji. It's the best way to distinguish it from other 'flat' words.

Adverbial Use

You will use '水平に' (suihei ni) much more often than '水平の' (suihei no).

The Sea

In Japan, the sea is everywhere. 'Suiheisen' is a very poetic and common word.

Lateral Thinking

Use '水平展開' in meetings to sound like you understand Japanese corporate efficiency.

Leveling

If you buy furniture in Japan, the manual will definitely use the word '水平'.

Straight Horizons

Keep your 'suihei' in check to make your photos look professional.

Equality

Use '水平な関係' to describe a friendship where no one is the 'boss'.

Writing

The second kanji '平' is also in 'Heiwa' (Peace). A level surface is a peaceful surface.

Suihei vs Suichoku

Learn them as a pair. They are the X and Y axes of Japanese orientation.

Not just 'flat'

Remember: a tilted floor can be flat (taira) but it isn't level (suihei).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

SUI (Water) + HEI (Hey, it's flat!) = Level like water.

Word Origin

Ancient Chinese concept where the water's surface was the ultimate standard for flatness.

Cultural Context

Japan's identity as a maritime nation makes 'suiheisen' a more common literary image than 'chiheisen'.

The Suiheisha movement's flag featured a crown of thorns, symbolizing suffering and the quest for equality.

Traditional Japanese architecture (Washitsu) relies heavily on 'suihei' and 'suichoku' precision for sliding doors (fusuma) to function.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"水平線を見たことがありますか？ (Have you ever seen the sea horizon?)"

"このテーブル、水平じゃない気がしませんか？ (Don't you feel this table isn't level?)"

"仕事で水平展開をしたことがありますか？ (Have you ever done a horizontal rollout at work?)"

"カメラの水平を取るのが苦手なんです。 (I'm not good at keeping the camera level.)"

"水平な社会についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about a horizontal society?)"

Journal Prompts

今日見た水平線について書いてください。 (Write about the horizon you saw today.)

自分の周りで「水平ではない」と感じるものを探してください。 (Find something around you that feels 'not level'.)

水平展開したい自分のスキルは何ですか？ (What skill of yours do you want to expand horizontally?)

垂直な関係と水平な関係、どちらが好きですか？ (Do you prefer vertical or horizontal relationships?)

水平器を使って何かを直した経験はありますか？ (Do you have experience fixing something with a level?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Only if the road is perfectly level. If you mean 'smooth,' use 'taira' or 'heitan.' A road on a hill is 'taira' but not 'suihei.'

It's a business term meaning to share best practices or solutions across different departments or projects.

It is primarily a noun that takes 'no' or 'ni.' While 'suihei-na' is occasionally seen, 'suihei-no' is more standard.

You can say 'yoko-muki' or 'suihei-muki,' but 'yoko' is more common for screen orientation.

'Suiheisen' is for the sea (water); 'chiheisen' is for the land (earth).

Yes, to describe body position in swimming or the bar in gymnastics (tetsubou).

Metaphorically, yes, it implies an equal footing or unbiased view.

It is a spirit level tool used to check if a surface is perfectly horizontal.

棚を水平に取り付けました (I installed the shelf levelly).

Yes, especially when arranging furniture, taking photos, or talking about the beach.

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This Word in Other Languages

水平 Chinese

More Other words

事故

A1

An unexpected and usually unpleasant event that results in damage, injury, or loss. In Japanese, it is most frequently used to refer to traffic accidents or mechanical failures.

根拠

B2

Refers to the grounds, basis, or evidence upon which a judgment, statement, or action is established. It is used to describe the underlying justification or logical foundation that supports a claim or a theory.

変化

A1

A noun that refers to the process of becoming different or a transformation in state, appearance, or condition. It is a very common word used to describe everything from changes in the weather and seasons to shifts in social trends or scientific processes.

衝突

A1

A physical crash or collision between two moving objects like vehicles or particles. It is also commonly used metaphorically to describe a sharp disagreement or conflict between people's opinions, interests, or plans.

比較

B1

Comparison. The act of examining two or more things to identify similarities and differences, often to make a decision or evaluation. It is used as a noun or a suru-verb in both daily and professional contexts.

結論

B2

A final judgment, decision, or summary reached after a period of discussion, research, or logical reasoning. It represents the end result of an intellectual process rather than just a physical outcome.

考慮

A1

Koryo refers to the act of thinking deeply about something or taking various factors into account before making a decision. It is a formal way to express 'consideration' or 'thoughtfulness' regarding a specific situation or detail.

転換

A1

A significant change or conversion in direction, state, or mindset. It is commonly used to describe a shift in policy, a change of mood, or a fundamental turn in a situation.

危機

A1

A crisis or a critical situation where a dangerous outcome is possible if immediate action is not taken. It represents a turning point where things could become much worse or be resolved through careful management.

基準

A1

A standard, criterion, or benchmark used as a basis for measurement, judgment, or evaluation. It refers to the specific rules or requirements that something must meet to be accepted or classified in a certain way.

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