How to say "run-of-the-mill" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 並大抵なみたいていCommon
    no-adjective, na-adjectiveThe common, general-purpose choice: use it when you simply mean that something is ordinary, average, nothing special — the default word for 'run-of-the-mill'.
    このような苦くるしい時ときには、並なみたいていのことでは、会社かいしゃの赤字あかじをなくすことはできない。↗
    In hard times like this, no ordinary effort can get our company out of the red.
  • 世の常よのつね
    no-adjective, expressionA less common word for what is ordinary or usual, with a nuance of the way things normally are in the world; it does cover 'run-of-the-mill', but it is seldom the word you reach for.
  • 十人並みじゅうにんなみ
    no-adjective, na-adjectiveA less common word suggesting the level of an average person among ten; it rates someone's ability or looks as average and unremarkable, so it fits 'run-of-the-mill' chiefly for people.
  • expression, prenominal modifierA less common way to say that a thing can be found anywhere — commonplace, typical, ubiquitous; usually written in kana alone. Use it when 'run-of-the-mill' means 'the sort of thing you encounter everywhere'.
  • expression, prenominal modifierA less common counterpart for people and animals: someone so ordinary you could find them anywhere; usually written in kana alone. Use it when calling a person run-of-the-mill — unremarkable, typical, one of the crowd.
    僕ぼくにはどこにでもいるおっさんとしか見みえないけどなあ。↗
    To me he's no different from a million other dull middle aged men.

並大抵 is the common all-purpose word for 'ordinary, run-of-the-mill'; 「世の常」 is a less common alternative; 「十人並み」 rates a person's ability or looks as average; 「どこにでもある」 and 「どこにでもいる」 stress things or people being found everywhere.

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

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