一貫する
いっかんする·ikkan suru
Meaning
to be consistent; to remain coherent; to be unwavering; to run through as a unified whole
Nuance & Usage
一貫する describes maintaining a consistent, unified stance, principle, or approach throughout — without contradiction or wavering. 一貫した態度 (consistent attitude), 一貫したポリシー (consistent policy), 方針を一貫させる (to keep a policy consistent) are typical expressions. Unlike 継続する (keizoku suru — to continue/sustain), 一貫する emphasizes cohesion and the absence of contradiction across time. 首尾一貫 (shubi ikkan — thoroughly consistent, coherent from beginning to end) is a more formal compound expression.
Common Mistakes
Learners confuse 一貫する with 継続する (keizoku suru — to continue), 一定 (ittei — fixed/constant, for values/levels), and 揺るがない (yuruganai — unwavering, for resolve). 一貫する specifically means consistent in principle or logic — not just continuous in time. 言動が一貫している (words and actions are consistent) is very natural. Don't confuse 一貫 (ikkan — consistency) with 一環 (ikkan — part of a whole, same reading but different kanji) — context usually clarifies.
Example Sentences (3)
彼は長年にわたり、その信念を一貫して守り続けた。
かれはながねんにわたり、そのしんねんをいっかんしてまもりつづけた。
He consistently upheld his beliefs over many years without wavering.
会社の理念を一貫させることが、ぶらんどの信頼性につながる。
かいしゃのりねんをいっかんさせることが、ぶらんどのしんらいせいにつながる。
Keeping the company's philosophy consistent leads to brand credibility.
政策が一貫していないと、国民の信頼を失う原因になる。
せいさくがいっかんしていないと、こくみんのしんらいをうしなうげんいんになる。
If policies lack consistency, it can lead to a loss of public trust.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N14 questionsTest your knowledge of 一貫する with 4 different question types.
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