Translation guide
The English word "respectable" can describe people, behavior, amounts, or appearances that are considered good enough, proper, or worthy of respect. This guide organizes the main uses and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
To describe someone or something that is worthy of respect due to character, status, or accomplishment.
The most common and versatile word for 'respectable' in this sense. It implies admirable, fine, or splendid. Can be used for people, actions, or things.
彼は立派な医者です。
He is a respectable doctor.
立派な業績を残した。
He left a respectable achievement.
Literally 'should be respected'. More formal and direct than 立派. Often used for people or qualities that command respect.
彼は尊敬すべき人物だ。
He is a respectable person.
Means 'proper' or 'decent'. Used to describe someone who is respectable in a social sense, often implying they have a stable job or good standing.
彼はちゃんとした職業に就いている。
He has a respectable job.
To describe something that meets social standards of decency or propriety.
Means 'proper', 'neat', or 'orderly'. Commonly used for appearance, behavior, or things that are done correctly.
きちんとした服装で来てください。
Please come in respectable attire.
彼はきちんとした挨拶ができる。
He can give a respectable greeting.
Means 'decent', 'sensible', or 'respectable' in the sense of being normal and not shady. Often used for jobs, people, or lifestyles.
まともな仕事を探している。
I'm looking for a respectable job.
Literally 'good appearance'. Refers to something that looks respectable on the surface, sometimes with a nuance of keeping up appearances.
体裁の良い言い訳を考えた。
I came up with a respectable excuse.
To describe a quantity or level that is reasonably good or satisfactory, often used in a somewhat understated way.
Means 'considerable' or 'quite a'. Used to describe a respectable amount or degree.
彼はかなりの収入がある。
He has a respectable income.
かなりの数の人が集まった。
A respectable number of people gathered.
Similar to かなりの, meaning 'considerable' or 'substantial'. Slightly more formal.
相当な額のお金を使った。
I spent a respectable amount of money.
Means 'passable' or 'not bad'. Used for a respectable but not outstanding result or amount.
まずまずの成績だった。
It was a respectable result.
立派 emphasizes admirable qualities and is often used for achievements or character. ちゃんとした focuses on being proper and decent in a social sense. まともな implies being normal and not disreputable, often with a nuance of contrast to something shady.
尊敬すべき is only for people or their qualities. For things like jobs or amounts, use other expressions like 立派な or かなりの.
彼女はちゃんとした家の出です。
She comes from a respectable family.
彼はテストでまずまずの点数を取った。
He earned a respectable score on the test.