equal · class

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 等 has 12 strokes and denotes equality in quantity, qualities, or treatment.
• Basic usage: 等しい is read ひとしい, and 平等 is read びょうどう.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The degree of equality and noun modification
  • ほぼ等しい means almost equal.
  • ほぼ leaves room for a difference rather than asserting complete equality.
  • 等しい機会 means equal opportunities.
  • 平等な機会 also means equal opportunities.
  • 等しい modifies a noun directly, whereas 平等 takes な before a noun.