Translation guide
Expressing that something is done or exists to a moderate degree, not too much and not too little. Japanese uses various adverbs and expressions depending on the context.
Describing an action or state that is neither extreme nor minimal; fairly, reasonably, somewhat.
A common, casual adverb meaning 'so-so', 'fairly', or 'moderately'. Often used in everyday conversation to express a moderate level of satisfaction or quality.
この映画はまあまあ面白かった。
This movie was moderately interesting.
テストの結果はまあまあだった。
The test results were so-so.
Means 'moderately' or 'in moderation', often used for actions like exercising, eating, or drinking. Implies a balanced, appropriate amount.
適度に運動することが大切です。
It's important to exercise moderately.
お酒は適度に飲んでください。
Please drink alcohol in moderation.
Similar to 適度に, but more colloquial. Often used in advice to avoid excess. Can imply 'not too much, not too little'.
仕事はほどほどにして、休みましょう。
Let's take a break and not overdo it with work.
甘いものはほどほどにしたほうがいいよ。
You should go easy on sweets.
Means 'reasonably', 'fairly', or 'passably'. Often used to describe a moderate level of success or quality, similar to まあまあ but slightly more positive.
彼はそこそこ英語が話せる。
He can speak English moderately well.
給料はそこそこもらっている。
I get a fairly decent salary.
Literally 'to a certain degree'. Used to indicate a moderate but unspecified extent, often in more formal or explanatory contexts.
ある程度のリスクは覚悟しなければならない。
We must be prepared for a moderate amount of risk.
彼の意見にはある程度賛成です。
I agree with his opinion to some extent.
Describing something that is not too expensive and not too cheap; reasonably priced.
Means 'affordable' or 'reasonably priced'. 手頃 (tegoro) implies something is within reach or suitable.
このレストランは手頃な価格で美味しい料理を出している。
This restaurant serves delicious food at moderate prices.
Wasei-eigo (Japanese-made English) meaning 'reasonable price'. Very common in everyday speech.
この店はリーズナブルな値段で服が買える。
You can buy clothes at reasonable prices at this store.
Describing temperature or other qualities that are moderate, not extreme.
ほどよい means 'moderate' or 'just right'. Attach it to adjectives like 暖かさ (warmth) or 辛さ (spiciness).
ほどよい暖かさの日が続いている。
We've been having moderately warm days.
このカレーはほどよい辛さだ。
This curry is moderately spicy.
適度な is the adjectival form of 適度に, used before nouns to mean 'moderate'.
適度な運動は健康に良い。
Moderate exercise is good for your health.
Both mean 'moderately' or 'fairly', but まあまあ is more subjective and often used for personal feelings (e.g., まあまあ楽しい 'moderately fun'), while そこそこ is more objective and often used for measurable quantities (e.g., そこそこ稼ぐ 'earn a fair amount').
まあまあ楽しかった。
It was moderately fun.
そこそこ儲かっている。
We're making a fair profit.
English 'moderately' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it as 中程度に or 中庸に is unnatural. Choose the appropriate word based on context.
料理はまあまあ美味しかった。
The food was moderately good.
お酒は適度に飲むべきです。
You should drink moderately.