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凡庸 (ぼんよう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word Freq. Frequency Top 50,000 Meanings 1
na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
mediocre ; ordinary ; commonplace ; banal
Describes something or someone as lacking distinction, being average or unremarkable. Often carries a slightly negative or dismissive tone, implying a lack of exceptional quality or talent.
I don't want to end up as an ordinary person.
Kanji 凡 commonplace, ordinary, mediocre 庸 commonplace, ordinary, employment Similar words 平へい 凡ぼん 平凡 is more neutral and commonly used for 'ordinary' or 'average' without strong negative nuance. 凡庸 often implies a lack of talent or distinction, and can be more critical.
普ふ 通つう 普通 is the most general and neutral word for 'normal' or 'usual'. 凡庸 is more literary and evaluative, focusing on mediocrity rather than mere normality.
Etymology Composed of 凡 (mediocre, ordinary) and 庸 (common, ordinary). The combination reinforces the meaning of being unremarkable or average. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji are conventionally associated with mediocrity.
