How to say "relatively" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 割とわりとJLPT N2approx.Common
    adverbCovers 'relatively' in the looser sense 'fairly, rather', often with a nuance of more than expected: a dish that turns out fairly tasty, a chore that is fairly easy after all. Interchangeable with 割に.
  • 割にわりにCommon
    adverbThe base form of 割と, with the same meanings: 'comparatively, relatively', and the looser 'fairly, rather'. Often carries the same nuance of more than expected — a movie that is fairly interesting, for instance.
  • 比較的ひかくてきJLPT N2approx.Common
    adverbThe word for a plain, measured 'relatively, comparatively', comparing something against a standard, as in 'relatively cheap' or 'relatively few problems'. Unlike the other two, it does not extend to the looser 'fairly, rather'.
    以下いかの説明せつめいは多おおくの異ことなる理論りろんを比較的ひかくてき対照たいしょうすることによって得えられたものである。↗
    The explanation below was achieved by comparing and contrasting a variety of different theories.

Use 比較的 for a plain, measured 'relatively/comparatively'; use 「割と」 or 「割に」 for the looser 'fairly, rather' sense, often implying more than expected — those two are interchangeable variants of each other.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents
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JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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