Translation guide
The English word 'enough' can express sufficiency, adequacy, or a limit. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 十分 (じゅうぶん), but the natural translation depends on whether you mean 'a sufficient amount,' 'to a sufficient degree,' 'no more than necessary,' or 'stop, that's enough.' This guide covers the main patterns.
I have enough money.
That's enough, thank you.
Expressing that there is as much as needed, or that something is adequate.
The most common and versatile word for 'enough.' Can be used as an adjective (十分な + noun) or adverb (十分に + verb).
I have enough money.
Verb meaning 'to be enough' or 'to suffice.' Often used in the negative form 足りない (not enough).
Pattern meaning 'just ~ is enough.' Used to say that something alone suffices.
This alone is enough.
Expressing that the degree or amount is sufficient for a purpose.
Pattern: noun + のに十分な + noun. Means 'enough (noun) to do (verb).'
Telling someone to stop doing something because it's sufficient or excessive.
Common phrase meaning 'That's enough already.' Can be used to stop someone from giving more or continuing an action.
Expressing that something is just enough and not excessive.
Expressing that something meets a minimum standard.
Means 'so-so' or 'good enough.' Used when something is acceptable but not great.
While 十分 is the most direct translation, it can sound stiff in casual conversation. For 'enough to do,' patterns like 〜ほど or 〜のに十分 are more natural. For 'stop, that's enough,' use もう十分 or もういい.
十分 is an adjective/adverb meaning 'sufficient,' while 足りる is a verb meaning 'to be enough.' Use 足りる when focusing on whether the amount meets a requirement, often in negative form (足りない). 十分 is more about adequacy in general.
Is this enough?
I slept enough.
I don't have enough money.
I'm worried if there will be enough time.
Enough money to buy it.
Used with verbs to mean 'enough to do.' Often with potential form or adjective. More colloquial than のに十分.
I'm well enough to walk.
That's enough, thank you.
Strong, rough command meaning 'Enough already!' or 'Cut it out!' Used when angry or annoyed. Very direct.
Only use with close friends or in very informal situations; can be offensive.
Enough already!
Means 'the bare minimum' or 'just enough.' Used in formal or technical contexts.
Please provide only the minimum necessary information.
Means 'barely enough' or 'just barely.' Often used for time, quantity, or passing a threshold.
I made it just in time (barely enough time).
The taste is good enough.
Means 'in its own way' or 'adequately.' Implies it's not perfect but sufficient.
It was enjoyable enough.
I didn't study enough.
He is old enough to drive.