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.
The standard word for mathematical average or mean. Used in statistics, grades, etc.
テストの平均点は70点でした。
The average score on the test was 70 points.
このクラスの平均身長は165cmです。
The average height of this class is 165 cm.
Specifically the mean value, often used in technical or scientific contexts.
データの平均値を計算してください。
Please calculate the mean value of the data.
Describing something that is not special, just normal or standard.
Means 'normal' or 'ordinary'. Very common in everyday speech.
彼の成績は普通です。
His grades are average.
普通の人はそんなことしないよ。
An average person wouldn't do that.
Adjectival form meaning 'average' in the sense of typical or standard. Slightly more formal than 普通.
Suffix meaning 'on the level of' or 'average'. Often used in compounds like 人並み (average for a person).
彼の料理の腕前は人並みだ。
His cooking skill is about average.
Means 'standard' or 'norm'. Used when comparing to a benchmark.
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).
映画は普通だった。
The movie was average.
Means 'so-so' or 'not great, not terrible'. Very common for mediocre experiences.
味はまあまあだね。
The taste is average.
Slang for 'not quite good', 'a bit disappointing'. Literally 'one step short'.
Idiom meaning 'neither good nor bad', exactly average. Somewhat formal or literary.
彼の演技は可もなく不可もなくだった。
His performance was average, nothing special.
Expressing the typical frequency or amount over time.
Adverbial phrase meaning 'on average'.
私は平均して1日2時間勉強します。
On average, I study two hours a day.
Similar to 平均して, used with numbers.
平均で月に3冊本を読む。
I read an average of three books a month.
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.
彼は平均的な人です。
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.
7月の平均気温は30度です。
The average temperature in July is 30 degrees.
彼は普通の学生です。
He's just an average student.
料理はまあまあだった。
The food was average.
He is an average office worker.
この製品は標準的な品質です。
This product is of average quality.
この店のサービスはいまいちだ。
The service at this shop is average (not great).