Translation guide
Expresses that something meets requirements or expectations, ranging from 'good enough' to 'acceptable'. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you mean 'sufficient', 'passable', or 'satisfying'.
To say that something is sufficient, adequate, or meets a standard, often in formal or evaluative contexts.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'satisfaction' or 'satisfactory'. Often used in formal evaluations. Can be used as 満足な (satisfactory) or 満足する (to be satisfied).
結果は満足なものだった。
The result was satisfactory.
この製品の品質は満足できる。
The quality of this product is satisfactory.
A na-adjective or adverb meaning 'enough', 'sufficient', or 'adequate'. Emphasizes that the quantity or degree meets the need.
この説明で十分ですか。
Is this explanation satisfactory?
彼の仕事ぶりは十分満足できる。
His work performance is quite satisfactory.
Noun/suru-verb meaning 'passing (a test)' or 'meeting a standard'. Used when something reaches a required level, like a passing grade.
この答案は合格点だ。
This answer is satisfactory (passing grade).
Adverb meaning 'so-so', 'passable', or 'tolerable'. Casual and often used in spoken Japanese.
味はまずまずだ。
The taste is satisfactory (not bad).
To indicate that something is okay or passable, but not outstanding. Often used in reviews or casual comments.
Adverb meaning 'so-so', 'not bad', 'acceptable'. Very common in everyday speech.
映画はまあまあだった。
The movie was satisfactory (just okay).
Set phrase meaning 'neither good nor bad', 'passable'. Literally 'no merits, no demerits'.
彼の提案は可もなく不可もなくだ。
His proposal is satisfactory (neither good nor bad).
Adverb meaning 'reasonably', 'passably'. Implies a moderate level, often used for skills or performance.
To express that something satisfies a desire, requirement, or condition, often with a sense of fulfillment.
Verb meaning 'to satisfy (a condition, need, desire)'. Used with objects like 条件 (condition), 要求 (demand), 欲望 (desire).
この結果は期待を満たしている。
This result is satisfactory (meets expectations).
必要条件を満たす。
To satisfy the necessary conditions.
Noun/suru-verb meaning 'understanding and acceptance', 'consent'. Something is satisfactory because it makes sense or is convincing.
満足 focuses on emotional or qualitative satisfaction, while 十分 emphasizes quantitative sufficiency. Use 満足 for 'I'm satisfied with the service' and 十分 for 'The amount is sufficient'.
サービスに満足した。
I was satisfied with the service.
お金は十分ある。
I have enough money.
The katakana word サティスファクトリー is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Use the Japanese options above instead.
結果は満足のいくものだった。
The results were satisfactory.
彼の演技はまずまずだった。
His performance was merely satisfactory.
彼は英語がそこそこ話せる。
He can speak English satisfactorily (well enough).
彼の説明で納得した。
I found his explanation satisfactory (convincing).