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.
Describing an action done in a just, unbiased, or equitable way.
The standard adverb meaning 'fairly' in the sense of impartiality. Used with verbs.
審判は公平に判断した。
The referee judged fairly.
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.
The English word 'fair' has other meanings (light-colored, pleasant weather, etc.) that are not covered here. This guide only addresses the adverb 'fairly'.
This movie was fairly interesting.
彼はかなり上手に日本語を話す。
He speaks Japanese fairly well.
Means 'fairly' or 'quite' in casual speech. Often implies more than expected. Can also mean 'enough' or 'fine'.
この店、結構高いね。
This restaurant is fairly expensive, isn't it?
結構遠いから、タクシーで行こう。
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.
テストの出来は？まあまあだね。
How was the test? Fairly good, I guess.
この料理はまあまあ美味しい。
This dish is fairly tasty.
Means 'relatively' or 'fairly'. Often used in casual conversation. Similar to かなり but slightly softer.
割と簡単だったよ。
It was fairly easy.
この辺は割と静かだ。
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.
彼は相当な努力をした。
He made a fairly considerable effort.
Distribute the profits fairly.
Similar to 公平に, but often used in legal or official contexts, emphasizing justice and correctness.
裁判は公正に行われた。
The trial was conducted fairly.
Means 'equally' or 'fairly' when emphasizing equal treatment without discrimination.
全ての生徒を平等に扱う。
Treat all students fairly.