Meaning and Usage
"妥当" (だとう) means "proper" or "appropriate" and is often used to describe decisions, plans, opinions, or judgments that are reasonable and justified. It carries a formal tone and is common in business, academic, or official contexts.
Common Collocations
- 妥当な判断 (だとうなはんだん): a proper judgment
- 妥当な理由 (だとうなりゆう): a reasonable reason
- 妥当な価格 (だとうなかかく): an appropriate price
Usage Notes
When using 妥当, speakers imply that something is not only suitable but also logically sound or fair. It is often contrasted with 愚か (おろか, foolish) or 不適切 (ふてきせつ, inappropriate).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 妥当 with 適当 (てきとう), which can mean "appropriate" but also "random" or "careless" depending on context. 妥当 is more precise and formal, so use it when you want to emphasize reasonableness and correctness.