均一

The word describes a state where there is no variation in quality, size, amount, or price across a whole set or area. It conveys a sense of consistency and lack of deviation. While it is often used in technical or business contexts, it is also common in everyday shopping (e.g., fixed-price stores).

It is crucial to distinguish "均一" (kin'itsu) from "均等" (kintō). "均一" refers to the identity of quality or characteristics (uniformity), meaning "everything is the same." In contrast, "均等" refers to the equality of distribution or proportion (equality), meaning "divided equally." For example, you would use "均一" for the thickness of a cake, but "均等" for dividing a cake into equal slices.

In a commercial context, "均一" is frequently seen in terms like "均一価格" (uniform price), indicating that regardless of the item's original value, everything is sold at one single price point. This is a common sight in Japanese retail, such as in "100-yen shops."