Japanese word

並

Pronunciation

Romajinami

Meaning

  • nounaverage

Example

成績は並です。sei seki wa nami de su

The grades are average.

Illustration for 並 (average)

More examples

その店は料理も接客も並で、特に印象に残りません。so no mise wa ryō ri mo sek kyaku mo nami de toku ni in shō ni noko ri ma se n

Both the food and service at that restaurant are average, so nothing stands out.

Core concept

It describes something as belonging to the usual middle level without a notable difference in either direction.

Common phrases

  • 並の人nami no hito

    an ordinary person

Similar words

平均heikin: A level that represents the middle of a group or range.
普通futsū: A usual level or condition with no special quality.
中程度chūteido: A level that falls between high and low.

Definition in Japanese

世間一般の水準と比べて、中ほどにある程度。se ken ip pan no sui jun to kura be te naka ho do ni a ru tei do

Word origin

The native Japanese word 並 (nami) is connected with 並ぶ (narabu, "to line up"), and the sense of being in a normal row or level developed into "average."

Usage tips

  • In restaurant orders, 並 (nami) can identify the standard size, so it describes quantity rather than saying that the food is mediocre.

Other meanings

  • mediumnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 並みnamiaveragenoun

Word lists with this word