Translation guide
Expresses approximation, partial agreement, or a moderate degree. The most common Japanese equivalents are だいたい (daitai) for 'roughly/for the most part' and まあまあ (maamaa) for 'so-so/not bad'. Other options depend on context and nuance.
To indicate an approximate amount, number, or degree; 'about', 'around', 'roughly'.
The most common and versatile word for 'more or less' in the sense of 'approximately' or 'for the most part'. Used in casual and semi-formal speech.
More or less 100 people came.
More formal than だいたい, often used in written language or formal speech. Means 'approximately' or 'roughly'.
Prefix meaning 'approximately', used before numbers. Common in both speech and writing, slightly more formal than だいたい.
Means 'almost' or 'nearly', implying a very high degree of completeness. Closer to 'virtually' than 'roughly'.
Formal/literary term meaning 'in general' or 'for the most part'. Often used in official statements.
To describe something as neither good nor bad; 'so-so', 'not bad', 'fair to middling'.
The standard way to say 'so-so' or 'more or less okay'. Can be used for quality, feelings, or situations.
To indicate that something is true in general, with minor exceptions; 'basically', 'essentially', 'pretty much'.
To agree with a statement but with reservations; 'I suppose so', 'kind of', 'in a way'.
Casual phrase meaning 'well, yeah' or 'I guess so'. Expresses lukewarm agreement.
だいたい is the most common in everyday speech. およそ is more formal and often used in writing or presentations. 約 is a prefix used directly before numbers and is neutral in formality.
It takes more or less 30 minutes.
I more or less agree with you.
The work is more or less finished.
There were more or less 500 participants.
It'll take more or less 10 minutes.
Preparations are more or less complete.
計画はおおむね順調です。
The plan is more or less on track.
"How are you doing?" "More or less okay."
The taste was more or less okay.
Means 'passable' or 'reasonably good'. Slightly more positive than まあまあ, often used for skills or results.
He can speak English more or less well.
Kansai dialect expression meaning 'so-so' or 'getting along'. Casual and regional.
"Making money?" "More or less."
Also used for 'for the most part' or 'basically'. Very common in conversation.
I more or less understood the story.
Emphasizes near-completeness. 'Almost entirely'.
The problem is more or less solved.
Means 'almost' or 'nearly'. Can be used when 'more or less' implies 'almost completely'.
I'm more or less done with my homework.
「彼ってかっこいいよね？」「まあね。」
"He's handsome, right?" "More or less."
Literally 'you could say that'. A more explicit way to express partial agreement.
"Is that a mistake?" "More or less, you could say that."
Means 'that's about right' or 'something like that'. Used when you don't fully agree but accept the description.
"So basically you failed?" "Well, more or less."
It takes approximately 30 minutes.
It takes about 30 minutes.
Do not translate 'more or less' word-for-word as 多かれ少なかれ (おおかれすくなかれ). This phrase exists but is literary and means 'to a greater or lesser extent', not the common conversational uses.
Everyone makes mistakes, more or less. (Literary)
The movie was more or less interesting.