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Understanding the Nuances of '適当(てきとう）': Decoding Casual Conversations in Japanese

The Versatility of '適当'

適当（てきとう） is often translated as "appropriate" or "suitable." However, this word bears a chameleon-like quality, changing its shade of meaning based on the context in which it's used.

In some scenarios, "適当" signifies appropriateness, denoting something that is just right or fitting for a particular situation. But in casual conversations, it can take on a wholly different interpretation.

'適当' in Casual Conversations

Consider the phrase "今、適当に考えたんだけど," which translates to "I just thought of it casually now." Here, "適当" is miles away from its formal meaning of "appropriate." Instead, it implies a sense of spontaneity and lack of deep consideration. The speaker isn't suggesting that their thought is suitable or fitting; rather, they're indicating that the idea was formed without much planning or serious contemplation.

This casual use of "適当" is prevalent in everyday Japanese. It conveys a relaxed, off-the-cuff quality, often signaling that the speaker's remarks or ideas are impromptu or not to be taken too seriously.

Frequent Uses of '適当' in Conversations | 会話でよく使う'適当'の使い方

例文: 晩御飯は冷蔵庫にあるもので適当に作るつもり。
英訳: "I plan to make dinner casually with whatever is in the fridge."
In this sentence, "適当に作る" conveys the idea of preparing a meal in a relaxed, non-specific manner, using whatever ingredients are available without following a strict recipe or plan.

例文: 映画を選ぶとき、レビューを見ずに適当に選ぶことが多い。
英訳: "When choosing movies, I often select them casually without looking at the reviews."
In this sentence, "適当に選ぶ" implies making a choice in a relaxed, non-methodical manner, without overthinking or relying heavily on external information like reviews.

例文: 彼はいつも冗談を言って、適当なことを言うから、真剣に受け取らないほうがいいよ。
英訳: "He's always joking and saying things casually, so it's better not to take him too seriously."
In this example, "適当なことを言う" suggests speaking in a casual, non-serious manner, often implying that the speaker is not fully committed or serious about what they are saying.

Japanese Transcripts (Furigana Included/Excluded)