How to say "moderate" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 控えめひかえめna-adjective, no-adjectiveCovers 'moderate' describing a person's manner: restrained and modest rather than forceful. Typical of someone who speaks or behaves with restraint, not pushing themselves forward.
- 適度てきどna-adjective, no-adjectiveCovers 'moderate' in the sense of degree or amount: a level that is neither excessive nor insufficient. Typical when discussing exercise, temperature, or effort that is just right.
- 和らげるやわらげるichidan verb, transitive verbThis is the verb sense of 'moderate': to soften or ease something, making it less harsh or intense. Typical when talking about softening one's tone or relieving pain.
- 穏健おんけんna-adjectiveCovers 'moderate' for views and politics: temperate, sensible positions that avoid extremes. Typical when describing a person's opinions or a political stance as moderate rather than extreme.
- adverb, no-adjectiveA colloquial adverb whose 'moderate' sense is really 'so-so': it means 'reasonably' or 'fairly', as in something passable rather than excellent. Seldom the word you want for 'moderate' itself.
Choose 適度 for moderate degrees or amounts, 「控えめ」 for restrained, modest behavior, 穏健 for moderate views or politics, 「和らげる」 when 'moderate' is a verb, and 「そこそこ」 colloquially for 'reasonably'.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 控えめひかえめmoderate
- 適度てきどmoderate (degree)
- 和らげるやわらげるto soften
- 穏健おんけんmoderate (view, politics, etc.)
- そこそこreasonably
- 程よいほどよいmoderate
- ほどほどmoderate
- 中度ちゅうどmoderate
- モデレートmoderate
- 中辺ちゅうへんmoderate
- 穏やかおだやかmoderate
- 手ごろてごろsuitable
- なんぱmoderate party
- 温和おんわmoderate (statement, measure, etc.)
- 内輪うちわconservative (e.g. estimate)
- たいていproper
See also
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
