Translation guide
The English word 'average' can refer to a mathematical mean, something typical or ordinary, or a mediocre level. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
The result of adding numbers and dividing by the count.
Describing something that is not special, just normal or standard.
Means 'normal' or 'ordinary'. Very common in everyday speech.
Expressing that something is just okay, not impressive, possibly disappointing.
Can imply mediocrity depending on tone. Often used with まあまあ (so-so).
Expressing the typical frequency or amount over time.
Adverbial phrase meaning 'on average'.
平均 is mainly for mathematical averages. For describing something as ordinary or mediocre, use 普通 or まあまあ. Using 平均 for people or experiences can sound unnatural.
He is an average person. (OK, but 普通の人 is more natural)
普通 means 'normal' or 'ordinary' and is used in everyday conversation. 平均的 is more formal and often used in written or analytical contexts. For casual speech, 普通 is preferred.
The average temperature in July is 30 degrees.
The average height of this class is 165 cm.
データの平均値を計算してください。
Please calculate the mean value of the data.
His grades are average.
An average person wouldn't do that.
Adjectival form meaning 'average' in the sense of typical or standard. Slightly more formal than 普通.
He is an average office worker.
Suffix meaning 'on the level of' or 'average'. Often used in compounds like 人並み (average for a person).
His cooking skill is about average.
Means 'standard' or 'norm'. Used when comparing to a benchmark.
This product is of average quality.
The movie was average.
Means 'so-so' or 'not great, not terrible'. Very common for mediocre experiences.
The taste is average.
Slang for 'not quite good', 'a bit disappointing'. Literally 'one step short'.
The service at this shop is average (not great).
Idiom meaning 'neither good nor bad', exactly average. Somewhat formal or literary.
His performance was average, nothing special.
On average, I study two hours a day.
Similar to 平均して, used with numbers.
I read an average of three books a month.
an average life (ordinary)
average standard of living (statistical)
He's just an average student.
The food was average.