適度

てきど

moderate

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"適度" means "moderate" or "appropriate degree." It is used to describe something that is neither too much nor too little, but just right in amount, intensity, or degree.

Common Contexts

You often see "適度" in contexts related to health, work, emotions, or any situation where balance is important. For example, "適度な運動" (moderate exercise) or "適度な休憩" (appropriate breaks).

Collocations and Patterns

  • 適度な + noun: describes a moderate amount or degree of something (e.g., 適度な運動, 適度な緊張)
  • 適度に + verb: doing something moderately (e.g., 適度に休憩を取る)

Nuances and Tips

Using "適度" implies a positive balance and suggests avoiding extremes. It is a neutral and polite word suitable for formal and informal situations. A common learner mistake is confusing "適度" with "適当," which can mean "appropriate" but also "random" or "careless" depending on context. Remember, "適度" focuses on the right amount or degree, not randomness.

Example Sentences

けんこうのためにはてきどなうんどうがたいせつです。

Moderate exercise is important for health.

しごとはてきどにきゅうけいをとりながらすすめましょう。

Let's work while taking breaks at moderate intervals.

てきどなきんちょうかんがあると、しゅうちゅうりょくがたかまります。

Having a moderate sense of tension improves concentration.