平等 (píngděng) — equality; equal
HSK 5 | noun/adjective | the state of being equal, especially in rights and status
平等 (píngděng)
Equality means the state of being equal, particularly in terms of rights, status, and opportunities, without discrimination based on gender, race, class, or other factors.
Meanings
- [noun] equality; equal standing; parity
- [adjective] equal; on an equal footing; equitable
Example Sentences
宪法保障所有公民在法律面前一律平等。 Xiànfǎ bǎozhàng suǒyǒu gōngmín zài fǎlǜ miànqián yīlǜ píngděng. The constitution guarantees that all citizens are equal before the law.
性别平等是现代社会追求的重要目标之一。 Xìngbié píngděng shì xiàndài shèhuì zhuīqiú de zhòngyào mùbiāo zhī yī. Gender equality is one of the important goals pursued by modern society.
谈判双方在平等互利的基础上达成了协议。 Tánpàn shuāngfāng zài píngděng hùlì de jīchǔ shàng dáchéngle xiéyì. The two negotiating parties reached an agreement on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.
教育平等意味着每个孩子都应该获得优质教育的机会。 Jiàoyù píngděng yìwèizhe měi gè háizi dōu yīnggāi huòdé yōuzhì jiàoyù de jīhuì. Educational equality means every child should have access to quality education.
他坚持在职场中争取平等的晋升机会。 Tā jiānchí zài zhíchǎng zhōng zhēngqǔ píngděng de jìnshēng jīhuì. He persisted in fighting for equal promotion opportunities in the workplace.
真正的平等不仅是权利上的平等，也是机会上的平等。 Zhēnzhèng de píngděng bùjǐn shì quánlì shàng de píngděng, yě shì jīhuì shàng de píngděng. True equality is not only equality of rights but also equality of opportunity.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 性别平等 (xìngbié píngděng) | gender equality |
| 教育平等 (jiàoyù píngděng) | educational equality |
| 平等权利 (píngděng quánlì) | equal rights |
| 平等互利 (píngděng hùlì) | equality and mutual benefit |
| 机会平等 (jīhuì píngděng) | equality of opportunity |
| 法律面前平等 (fǎlǜ miànqián píngděng) | equality before the law |
Usage Notes
平等 is a fundamental value term used in legal, social, and political discourse. As an adjective, it describes equal treatment or status (平等的机会 -- equal opportunities). As a noun, it refers to the principle or state of equality (追求平等 -- to pursue equality).
Note the related term 公平 (fairness/equity), which emphasizes just treatment, while 平等 specifically emphasizes equal standing. In international relations, 平等互利 (equality and mutual benefit) is a standard diplomatic phrase in Chinese foreign policy language.
Memory Hook
平 (level/flat) + 等 (rank/grade) -- when everyone is on a flat, level playing field with no one ranked higher or lower, that is 平等.