釣(つ)り合(あ)い

つりあい
noun
balance; equilibrium; proportion
1. balance; equilibrium; proportion
A state where two or more things are in proper proportion or harmony with each other.
収入(しゅうにゅう)と支出(ししゅつ)の釣(つ)り合(あ)いを取(と)る。
To balance income and expenses.
仕事(しごと)と生活(せいかつ)の釣(つ)り合(あ)いが大切(たいせつ)だ。
Balance between work and life is important.
権利(けんり)と義務(ぎむ)の釣(つ)り合(あ)いが取(と)れていなければ、社会(しゃかい)はうまくいかない。
If rights and obligations are not in balance, society won't function well.

From the verb 釣(つ)り合(あ)う (to be balanced, to be in proportion). The image comes from a balance scale where both sides are even. Frequently used in figurative contexts about proportionality and harmony.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 釣(つ)り合(あ)いが取(と)れる: to be balanced
  • 釣(つ)り合(あ)いを取(と)る: to achieve balance
  • 釣(つ)り合(あ)いが取(と)れていない: to be out of balance
  • 釣(つ)り合(あ)いを保(たも)つ: to maintain balance

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • バランス: balance — loanword, the most common everyday term
  • 均衡(きんこう): equilibrium — more formal, used in economics and diplomacy
  • 平衡(へいこう): equilibrium — technical or scientific usage
  • 調和(ちょうわ): harmony — focuses on aesthetic or social harmony rather than numerical proportion
general
Added 2026.3.30 3:14
20500/20575_tsuriai