相応
そうおう
suitable; appropriate; befitting; in keeping with
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Examples
収入相応の暮らしをしなさい。
しゅうにゅうそうおうのくらしをしなさい。
Live within your means.
年齢相応の落ち着きが出てきた。
ねんれいそうおうのおちつきがでてきた。
He has acquired the composure you would expect at his age.
その地位には、それ相応の責任が伴うものだ。
そのちいには、それそうおうのせきにんがともなうものだ。
A position like that carries responsibilities to match.
働きに相応な報酬が支払われるべきだと思う。
はたらきにそうおうなほうしゅうがしはらわれるべきだとおもう。
I think pay should be commensurate with the work done.
Common patterns
- それ相応の
- appropriate; commensurate
- 身分相応
- befitting one's station
- 分相応に暮らす
- to live within one's station
Memory tip
Usually a suffix on a noun — 年齢相応, 収入相応, 身分相応 — meaning 'in proportion to that'. It carries a faintly moralising tone about not overreaching; its negative 不相応 ('above one's station') is just as common.
Kanji in this word
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What does 相応 mean?