Translation guide
The concept of moderation in English covers avoiding extremes in behavior, consumption, speech, and more. In Japanese, it is expressed through nouns, adjectives, verbs, and set phrases that emphasize balance, restraint, and appropriateness. The most common and versatile term is 節度 (setsudo), but other expressions like 控えめ (hikaeme) and ほどほど (hodohodo) are frequently used in daily life.
Expressing the idea of not going to extremes in actions, consumption, or behavior.
A noun meaning moderation or self-restraint. Often used in formal or advisory contexts, such as health advice or moral guidance.
節度ある飲酒を心がけましょう。
Let's try to drink in moderation.
何事も節度が大切です。
Moderation is important in everything.
An adverb/noun meaning 'moderate' or 'just right'. Very common in casual speech to suggest not overdoing something.
お酒はほどほどにね。
Go easy on the alcohol, okay?
仕事もほどほどにして、休んでください。
Don't overwork yourself; take a break.
A philosophical term for the golden mean or moderation, derived from Confucianism. Used in formal or academic contexts.
中庸の精神を重んじる。
To value the spirit of moderation.
Describing a person who is moderate in their expressions, not too forward or aggressive.
An adjective/noun meaning reserved, modest, or restrained. Used for people's attitudes, portions, or designs.
彼女は控えめな性格です。
She has a reserved personality.
塩は控えめにしてください。
Please go easy on the salt.
A noun/verb meaning restraint or holding back out of consideration for others. Often used in social situations.
Specifically referring to not overindulging in food or alcohol.
A set phrase meaning 'eat until you are 80% full'. A traditional Japanese concept of dietary moderation.
健康のために腹八分目を心がけています。
For my health, I try to eat in moderation (stop at 80% full).
A proverb meaning 'Drink, but don't let the drink drink you.' Advises moderation in alcohol.
酒は飲んでも飲まれるなと言うから、気をつけて。
They say 'drink in moderation,' so be careful.
Referring to moderate political views, avoiding extremism.
An adjective/noun meaning moderate, mild, or temperate, especially in politics or opinions.
彼は穏健な政策を提案した。
He proposed moderate policies.
A noun meaning the middle way or centrism in politics.
節度 is more formal and often used in written advice or public announcements. ほどほど is casual and used in everyday conversation to suggest not overdoing something.
節度ある行動を。
Act with moderation. (formal)
遊びもほどほどにね。
Don't play too much, okay? (casual)
The English word 'moderation' is often translated as 節度, but in many contexts, Japanese uses specific phrases like 控えめ or ほどほど. Using 節度 in casual speech can sound stiff.
Don't hold back; please eat more.
彼は遠慮がちに話した。
He spoke with restraint.
中道派の政治家が増えている。
The number of centrist politicians is increasing.