Translation guide
The English word 'adequate' can mean 'sufficient' or 'acceptable', but these map to different Japanese expressions. This guide helps you choose the right one based on whether you're talking about quantity, quality, or meeting a standard.
Expressing that an amount, level, or degree is enough for a purpose, without being excessive.
The most common and versatile word for 'adequate' in the sense of 'sufficient'. Works for both quantity and degree.
この量で十分です。
This amount is adequate.
彼の説明は十分だった。
His explanation was adequate.
Verb meaning 'to be enough'. Often used in negative or conditional forms to express adequacy.
お金が足りるか心配だ。
I'm worried if the money will be adequate.
Means 'to be in time' or 'to suffice'. Used when something is adequate to meet a need or deadline.
今ある材料で間に合う。
The ingredients we have now are adequate.
Describing something that meets a minimum standard, but is not outstanding. Often implies 'good enough'.
Adverb meaning 'passable' or 'so-so'. Conveys that something is adequate but not great. Common in casual speech.
彼の演技はまずまずだった。
His performance was adequate.
Similar to まずまず, meaning 'reasonably good' or 'adequate'. Often used for skills or results.
Literally 'not bad'. A common understated way to say something is adequate or acceptable.
このホテル、悪くないね。
This hotel is adequate, isn't it?
Literally 'passing mark'. Used to say something barely meets the standard. Slightly formal.
Expressing that something satisfies a specific condition, rule, or expectation.
Means 'appropriate' or 'adequate' in the sense of being suitable for a purpose. Often used in formal contexts.
適切な対応を取った。
We took adequate measures.
Means 'valid' or 'reasonable'. Used when a decision, price, or argument is adequate or justifiable.
Literally 'meet the standard'. A direct way to say something is adequate according to a set criterion.
この製品は安全基準を満たしている。
This product meets adequate safety standards.
The loanword アデクエート is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Use the Japanese expressions above instead.
十分 is an adjective meaning 'sufficient'. 足りる is a verb meaning 'to be enough', often used in negative or conditional. 間に合う implies 'to suffice for a purpose or deadline' and is more about managing with what you have.
食事はまずまずだったが、特にすごくはなかった。
The food was adequate, but nothing special.
終わらせるのに十分な時間はありますか？
Do we have adequate time to finish?
テストの結果はそこそこだった。
The test results were adequate.
彼の提案は及第点だ。
His proposal is adequate.
The price is adequate.