balance

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 衡 is read こう. It has 16 strokes and relates to balance or equilibrium.
• Basic usage: 平衡 is read へいこう, and 均衡 is read きんこう.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 平衡 and 均衡
  • 平衡 means balance or equilibrium and is often used for physical or state equilibrium that keeps something stable.
  • 片足で立って体の平衡を保った。 means “I stood on one foot and maintained my balance.”
  • 均衡 means balance or equilibrium and is often used for balance among forces, proportions, or relationships.
  • 二つの勢力の均衡が長く保たれていた。 means “The balance between the two powers had been maintained for years.”