Translation guide
The English adverb 'relatively' is used to indicate that something is true to a certain degree when compared to something else. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adverbs and patterns that convey comparison or a moderate degree.
Express that something is true when compared to others or to a norm, often implying 'more than average but not extremely'.
The most direct and common translation. Used in both spoken and written Japanese to mean 'comparatively' or 'relatively'. It modifies adjectives or verbs.
It's relatively warm today.
This problem is relatively easy.
A casual, conversational adverb meaning 'relatively' or 'quite'. Often used in spoken Japanese. It implies a higher degree than expected.
This shop is relatively cheap, isn't it?
I did relatively well.
Similar to 割と but often used in the pattern 'Xの割にY' meaning 'Y considering X' or 'relatively Y for X'. It highlights a contrast with expectations.
It's relatively delicious for the price.
He looks relatively young for his age.
A more formal or technical term meaning 'relatively' in the sense of 'in relative terms'. Often used in academic or scientific contexts.
This value is relatively low.
Explicitly state that something is being compared to another thing or situation.
A pattern meaning 'compared to ~'. It sets up an explicit comparison. The 'relatively' meaning comes from the context of the comparison.
Compared to last year, this year is relatively cool.
Compared to other countries, Japan is relatively safe.
A pattern meaning 'for a ~' or 'as a ~'. It implies a relative standard based on the category mentioned.
Express a moderate degree without explicit comparison, similar to 'fairly' or 'pretty'.
An adverb meaning 'quite', 'fairly', or 'pretty'. It indicates a higher degree than expected but not extreme. Often used in casual conversation.
This movie was relatively interesting (quite interesting).
An adverb meaning 'quite' or 'fairly', often with a positive connotation. It implies that something is better than expected.
Means 'so-so' or 'fairly'. It indicates a moderate, acceptable level. Often used when you don't want to strongly praise or criticize.
比較的 is more formal and can be used in writing and polite speech. 割と is casual and conversational. Both mean 'relatively', but 割と often implies a subjective judgment.
It is relatively easy. (polite)
It's relatively easy. (casual)
English speakers often overuse 比較的 when a more natural Japanese expression would be 割と, 結構, or a comparison pattern like 〜に比べて. Consider the context and formality.
For this price, the quality is relatively good.
For a child, he did relatively well.
It's relatively far, isn't it?
この料理、なかなかいける。
This dish is relatively good (quite tasty).
テストの結果はまあまあだった。
The test result was relatively okay (so-so).