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.
今日は比較的暖かい。
It's relatively warm today.
この問題は比較的簡単だ。
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.
この店、割と安いね。
This shop is relatively cheap, isn't it?
割とよくできた。
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.
値段の割においしい。
It's relatively delicious for the price.
彼は年の割に若く見える。
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.
この値は相対的に低い。
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.
去年に比べて、今年は比較的涼しい。
Compared to last year, this year is relatively cool.
他の国に比べて、日本は安全だ。
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.
この値段としては、品質がいい。
For this price, the quality is relatively good.
子供としては、よくできた。
For a child, he did relatively well.
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.
この映画、結構面白かった。
This movie was relatively interesting (quite interesting).
結構遠いね。
It's relatively far, isn't it?
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.
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.
この料理、なかなかいける。
This dish is relatively good (quite tasty).
The test result was relatively okay (so-so).