Japanese word

いまいち

Pronunciation

Romajiimaichi

Meaning

  • adverbnot very good

Example

この料理はいまいちです。ko no ryō ri wa i ma i chi de su

This dish is not very good.

Illustration for いまいち (not very good)

More examples

新しい方法を試しましたが、効果はいまいちでした。atara shi i hō hō o tame shi ma shi ta ga kō ka wa i ma i chi de shi ta

I tried a new method, but the results were not very good.

Core concept

いまいち (imaichi) signals that something misses the mark slightly, leaving a sense of mild dissatisfaction.

Common phrases

  • いまいちピンとこないi ma i chi pi n to ko na i

    not quite get it

Similar words

いまひとつimahitotsu: Expresses a mild unfavorable judgment about quality, suitability, or effectiveness.

Definition in Japanese

思ったほどのよさや満足感がなく、少し物足りないさま。omo tta ho do no yo sa ya man zoku kan ga na ku suko shi mono ta ri na i sa ma

Word origin

いまいち (imaichi) is the colloquial shortening of 今一つ (ima hitotsu): 今 (ima, "now") combines with 一つ (hitotsu, "one") to suggest that the result is still short of the mark.

Usage tips

  • Because いまいち (imaichi) is milder than a harsh negative judgment, it is common when a conversational speaker gives an indirect unfavorable opinion.

Other meanings

  • not quiteadverb

Opposites

  • 上々jōjōexcellentna-adjective

Word lists with this word