いい加減

• Reading: いいかげん
• Romaji: iikagen
• Kanji breakdown: 加 (ka) — add, increase; 減 (gen) — decrease, reduce
• Pronunciation: /iː.ka.ɡe.ɴ/

Meaning

Irresponsible; sloppy; half-hearted. Also means 'enough already' or 'moderate.'

A versatile na-adjective and adverb with contrasting uses: (1) as a criticism meaning sloppy, irresponsible, or unreliable (いい加減な仕事 = sloppy work), (2) as an adverb meaning 'enough already' expressing exasperation (いい加減にしなさい = cut it out), and (3) less commonly, the literal meaning of 'good moderation' (いい加減の湯 = comfortably warm water). Context is crucial for interpretation.

Examples

1. いい加減な返事ばかりして信用できない。 He's always giving vague, irresponsible answers — you can't trust him.
2. いい加減にしてくれ、もう我慢の限界だ。 Give it a rest already — I've had it up to here.
3. 彼のいい加減な態度には本当に困っている。 His half-hearted attitude is a real problem.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, criticism, arguments, parenting

Tone: critical

Origin & History

From いい (ii, good) + 加減 (kagen, degree/extent). Ironically, the compound shifted from the positive literal meaning of 'good moderation' to the negative sense of being too casual or not caring enough.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal