Translation guide
The English adverb 'fairly' has two main uses: indicating a moderate degree ('quite, rather') and indicating impartiality ('in a fair manner'). This guide covers both, with a focus on natural Japanese expressions.
Expressing that something is moderately true, to a certain extent, but not extremely.
Commonly used to mean 'fairly' or 'quite'. It indicates a degree higher than expected but not extreme. Works with adjectives and verbs.
This movie was fairly interesting.
He speaks Japanese fairly well.
Means 'fairly' or 'quite' in casual speech. Often implies more than expected. Can also mean 'enough' or 'fine'.
This restaurant is fairly expensive, isn't it?
It's fairly far, so let's go by taxi.
Means 'so-so' or 'fairly good/okay'. Used when something is acceptable but not great. Often used alone as a response.
How was the test? Fairly good, I guess.
This dish is fairly tasty.
Means 'relatively' or 'fairly'. Often used in casual conversation. Similar to かなり but slightly softer.
It was fairly easy.
This area is fairly quiet.
Means 'considerably' or 'fairly' in the sense of 'quite a lot'. Stronger than かなり. Often used in formal or written contexts.
He made a fairly considerable effort.
Describing an action done in a just, unbiased, or equitable way.
The standard adverb meaning 'fairly' in the sense of impartiality. Used with verbs.
The referee judged fairly.
Distribute the profits fairly.
Similar to 公平に, but often used in legal or official contexts, emphasizing justice and correctness.
The trial was conducted fairly.
Means 'equally' or 'fairly' when emphasizing equal treatment without discrimination.
All three can mean 'fairly', but かなり is the most neutral and widely used. 結構 is more casual and often implies a subjective judgment ('surprisingly' or 'more than expected'). 割と is also casual and means 'relatively' or 'comparatively'. In formal writing, かなり or 相当 are preferred.
fairly big (neutral)
fairly big (surprisingly so)
relatively big
The English word 'fair' has other meanings (light-colored, pleasant weather, etc.) that are not covered here. This guide only addresses the adverb 'fairly'.
Treat all students fairly.