相応

• Reading: そうおう
• Romaji: souou
• Kanji breakdown: 相 (sō) — mutual, corresponding; 応 (ō) — respond, match
• Pronunciation: /soː.oː/

Meaning

Suitable; appropriate; befitting; proportionate. Matching what is expected or warranted.

A na-adjective and noun. Most often seen as 〜に相応しい (befitting ~) or 年齢相応 (appropriate for one's age). It carries a sense of things being in proper proportion — neither too much nor too little. 身分相応 (within one's station) and リスクに相応の利益 (returns commensurate with risk) are common patterns.

Examples

1. 彼女の経験と実績に相応の報酬が支払われるべきだ。 She should be paid remuneration commensurate with her experience and track record.
2. 年齢相応の落ち着きと判断力を持った人物として、周囲から信頼されている。 He is trusted by those around him as a person with composure and judgement appropriate to his age.
3. そのポジションに相応しい人材を探すのに、時間がかかった。 It took time to find someone suitable for that position.

Usage Guide

Context: career, business, social norms, evaluation

Tone: measured

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 相 (sō) means mutual or corresponding, 応 (ō) means to respond or match. Together: 'mutually corresponding.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical-Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Universal