The meaning of "適当（てきとう : tekitou）"

Apr 20, 2015 20:21
Japanese people often use the word "適当(tekitou)."

However, this word has very confusing two different meanings.

That is, "appropriate(proper)," and "irresponsible(dishonest)."

Despite the completely different meanings, we represent it in one word.

The meaning will be determined by the atmosphere of the field, however, I think we use the word as the meaning of "irresponsible" in many cases.

If you want to represent the meaning of "appropriate" safely, using the word "適切(tekisetsu)" is better.
「適当」の意味

日本人はよく「適当」という言葉を使います。

しかしこの言葉は、とても紛らわしい2つの意味を持ちます。

すなわち、「ぴったり当てはまる」「いい加減」です。

全く違う意味なのに、一つの単語で表すのです。

意味は、その場の雰囲気などで決まりますが、「いい加減」の意味でつかわれることが多いように感じます。

「ぴったり当てはまる」の意味を確実に表したい場合は、「適切」という言葉を使ったほうが良いかもしれません。
No. 1　thethinker83's correction
  • Japanese people often use the word "適当(tekitou)."
  • This sentence is perfect! No correction needed!
  • However, this word has very confusing two different meanings.
  • However, this word has two different and very confusing two different meanings.
    　1) When talking about a certain number of things, the number should go before any other adjectives.
    2) I put "different" before "confusing" because I think the latter is what ought to be emphasized.
  • That is, "appropriate(proper)," and "irresponsible(dishonest)."
  • That is Those are, "appropriate(proper)," and "irresponsible(dishonest)."
  • Despite the completely different meanings, we represent it in one word.
  • Despite the completely different meanings, we represent it in express them with one word.
  • The meaning will be determined by the atmosphere of the field, however, I think we use the word as the meaning of "irresponsible" in many cases.
  • The meaning will be determined by the atmosphere of the field, however, I think we use the word as the meaning of to mean "irresponsible" in many cases.
    　"atmosphere of the field" is a good literal translation, but I think "mood", "situation", or "context" is more appropriate when talking/writing about sentences.
  • If you want to represent the meaning of "appropriate" safely, using the word "適切(tekisetsu)" is better.
  • If you want to represent express the meaning of "appropriate" safely, using the word "適切(tekisetsu)" is better.
This is a nice tip. I'm saving it for future reference. :)
kanotown
  • The meaning will be determined by the atmosphere of the field, however, I think we use the word as the meaning of to mean "irresponsible" in many cases.

    "atmosphere of the field" is a good literal translation, but I think "mood", "situation", or "context" is more appropriate when talking/writing about sentences.

Thank you so much for your helpful corrections!
Ah, I had forgotten that we sometimes used the word "ムード(mood)" in Japanese. I also think this word is more appropriate. :)
thethinker83
You're welcome. I'm always glad to help.
No. 2　Timmy's correction
  • The meaning will be determined by the atmosphere of the field, however, I think we use the word as the meaning of "irresponsible" in many cases.
  • The meaning will be determined by the atmosphere of the field (or: by context), however, I think we use the (or: this) word as the meaning of "irresponsible" in many cases.
Interesting, I'll remember that.
kanotown
Thank you very much always for correcting my post! :D
Timmy
You are welcome!
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