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道Nihongo Path

相応

そうおう

suitable; appropriate; befitting; in keeping with

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Examples

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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?