Translation guide
The English word "so-so" is used to describe something that is neither very good nor very bad; it's average or mediocre. In Japanese, there are several ways to express this, ranging from casual to formal, and some expressions can carry slightly negative nuances.
映画はまあまあだった。
The movie was so-so.
To describe something as average, passable, or just okay, without strong positive or negative feelings.
The most common and neutral way to say 'so-so'. It can be used in both casual and polite contexts. It literally means 'well, well' but functions as 'so-so' or 'not bad'.
映画はまあまあだった。
The movie was so-so.
「テストどうだった？」「まあまあかな。」
"How was the test?" "So-so, I guess."
Means 'normal' or 'average'. Often used to mean 'so-so' in a neutral sense, but can imply 'nothing special'.
味は普通だった。
The taste was so-so.
A set phrase meaning 'neither good nor bad', literally 'neither passable nor fail-able'. It's more formal and often used in written language or reviews.
そのレストランは可もなく不可もなくだった。
The restaurant was so-so.
To describe one's physical condition as not great but not awful.
Same as above, but used in the context of health. Very common.
体調はまあまあです。
I'm feeling so-so.
Means 'not quite' or 'a bit off'. It implies something is lacking, so it's slightly more negative than 'so-so'.
Do not translate 'so-so' literally as 'そうそう' (sō sō). That means 'yes, yes' or 'that's right' and does not convey the meaning of mediocrity.
まあまあ is more subjective and can sound slightly more positive or casual. 普通 is more objective and can sound a bit cold or dismissive if used to describe something like food or a performance.
今日は体調がいまいちだ。
I'm feeling so-so today.