Translation guide
The English word "reasonable" covers several distinct meanings. This guide breaks them down into practical categories: fair and sensible, logical, acceptable or decent, and affordable. Each meaning has natural Japanese expressions, from common words to useful phrases.
Describing a person, decision, price, or request that is fair, moderate, and not extreme.
I think his proposal is reasonable.
Literally "in accordance with reason." Used for actions, arguments, or explanations that make sense.
His explanation is reasonable.
Means "logical" or "consistent." Often used for arguments or statements.
His opinion is reasonable.
Implies fairness and conscientiousness, often used for prices or business practices.
This store's prices are reasonable.
Means "not unreasonable" or "within reason." Often used for requests or schedules.
It's a reasonable request.
Describing thinking, conclusions, or people that are rational and sensible.
The most direct equivalent for "rational" or "logical." Used for thinking, systems, or decisions.
Please make a reasonable judgment.
Emphasizes the use of reason over emotion. Often used for people or attitudes.
As above, means "logical" or "consistent."
Describing something that is good enough, satisfactory, or passable.
A common adverb meaning "so-so" or "passable." Used for quality, performance, etc.
His English is reasonable.
Similar to まずまず, meaning "fairly" or "reasonably." Often used with verbs.
Very common casual word for "so-so" or "not bad."
Literally "not bad." A common understated way to say something is acceptable.
This hotel is reasonable, isn't it?
Describing a price that is moderate and within one's budget.
Means "affordable" or "within reach." Very common for prices and sizes.
I'm looking for a restaurant with reasonable prices.
Loanword from English, widely used in Japan for "reasonable price."
Polite version of 手頃, often used in marketing.
Literally "within reach." Used for prices one can afford.
While 合理的 is a common translation for "reasonable," it specifically means "rational" or "logical." Using it for "affordable" or "fair" would sound unnatural. Choose the appropriate word based on the intended meaning.
Both mean "affordable," but 手頃 is a native Japanese word and slightly more formal, while リーズナブル is a casual loanword often used in advertising and conversation.
Be reasonable!
Often translated as "Calm down!" or "See reason!" depending on context. A direct translation like 合理的であれ is unnatural.
a reasonable person
Literally "a person who understands things." A natural way to describe someone sensible.
彼はいつも理性的だ。
He is always reasonable.
What you say is reasonable.
給料はそこそこもらっている。
I get a reasonable salary.
The taste is reasonable, isn't it?
This restaurant is reasonable and delicious.
We offer it at a reasonable price.
手が届く値段になった。
The price has become reasonable.