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.
だいたい100人くらい来ました。
More or less 100 people came.
仕事はだいたい終わりました。
The work is more or less finished.
More formal than だいたい, often used in written language or formal speech. Means 'approximately' or 'roughly'.
参加者はおよそ500人でした。
There were more or less 500 participants.
Prefix meaning 'approximately', used before numbers. Common in both speech and writing, slightly more formal than だいたい.
約10分で着きます。
It'll take more or less 10 minutes.
Means 'almost' or 'nearly', implying a very high degree of completeness. Closer to 'virtually' than 'roughly'.
準備はほぼ完了です。
Preparations are more or less complete.
Formal/literary term meaning 'in general' or 'for the most part'. Often used in official statements.
計画はおおむね順調です。
The plan is more or less on track.
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.
「調子はどう？」「まあまあだね。」
"How are you doing?" "More or less okay."
味はまあまあだった。
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.
Kansai dialect expression meaning 'so-so' or 'getting along'. Casual and regional.
To indicate that something is true in general, with minor exceptions; 'basically', 'essentially', 'pretty much'.
Also used for 'for the most part' or 'basically'. Very common in conversation.
話はだいたい分かった。
I more or less understood the story.
Emphasizes near-completeness. 'Almost entirely'.
問題はほぼ解決した。
The problem is more or less solved.
Means 'almost' or 'nearly'. Can be used when 'more or less' implies 'almost completely'.
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.
「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.
「それは間違いですか？」「そうとも言えますね。」
"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.
「要するに失敗したってこと？」「まあ、そんなところだ。」
"So basically you failed?" "Well, more or less."
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.
だいたい30分かかります。
It takes more or less 30 minutes.
およそ30分かかります。
It takes approximately 30 minutes.
約30分かかります。
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.
多かれ少なかれ、誰でも間違いはする。
Everyone makes mistakes, more or less. (Literary)
あなたの意見にだいたい賛成です。
I more or less agree with you.
その映画はまあまあ面白かった。
The movie was more or less interesting.
彼は英語がそこそこ話せる。
He can speak English more or less well.
「儲かってる？」「ぼちぼちやな。」
"Making money?" "More or less."
宿題はほとんど終わった。
I'm more or less done with my homework.