Translation guide
Expressing that something is done or exists to a moderate degree, not too much and not too little. Japanese uses various adverbs and expressions depending on the context.
moderately
Use まあまあ for casual 'so-so', 適度に for 'in moderation'.
Describing an action or state that is neither extreme nor minimal; fairly, reasonably, somewhat.
This movie was moderately interesting.
The test results were so-so.
Means 'moderately' or 'in moderation', often used for actions like exercising, eating, or drinking. Implies a balanced, appropriate amount.
It's important to exercise moderately.
Please drink alcohol in moderation.
Similar to 適度に, but more colloquial. Often used in advice to avoid excess. Can imply 'not too much, not too little'.
Let's take a break and not overdo it with work.
You should go easy on sweets.
Means 'reasonably', 'fairly', or 'passably'. Often used to describe a moderate level of success or quality, similar to まあまあ but slightly more positive.
He can speak English moderately well.
I get a fairly decent salary.
Literally 'to a certain degree'. Used to indicate a moderate but unspecified extent, often in more formal or explanatory contexts.
We must be prepared for a moderate amount of risk.
I agree with his opinion to some extent.
Describing something that is not too expensive and not too cheap; reasonably priced.
Describing temperature or other qualities that are moderate, not extreme.
ほどよい means 'moderate' or 'just right'. Attach it to adjectives like 暖かさ (warmth) or 辛さ (spiciness).
We've been having moderately warm days.
This curry is moderately spicy.
適度な is the adjectival form of 適度に, used before nouns to mean 'moderate'.
Moderate exercise is good for your health.
Both mean 'moderately' or 'fairly', but まあまあ is more subjective and often used for personal feelings (e.g., まあまあ楽しい 'moderately fun'), while そこそこ is more objective and often used for measurable quantities (e.g., そこそこ稼ぐ 'earn a fair amount').
It was moderately fun.
We're making a fair profit.
English 'moderately' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it as 中程度に or 中庸に is unnatural. Choose the appropriate word based on context.
The food was moderately good.
You should drink moderately.
You can buy clothes at reasonable prices at this store.