まとも

• Reading: まとも
• Romaji: matomo
• Pronunciation: /ma.to.mo/

Meaning

Proper; decent; respectable; honest; straightforward. Also means 'direct' or 'head-on.'

A na-adjective with two main uses. First, it describes something as proper, normal, or decent: まともな仕事 (respectable job), まともな人 (decent person). Second, it means 'direct' or 'head-on': まともに受ける (take head-on). Often used in negative contexts to highlight what is lacking: まともに話もできない (can't even have a proper conversation). The kanji 正面 exists but is rarely used.

Examples

1. あの会社はまともな給料を払わないらしい。 That company apparently doesn't pay a decent wage.
2. 忙しすぎてまともに食事をしていない。 I've been so busy that I haven't been eating properly.
3. まともに向き合わないと問題は解決しない。 The problem won't be solved unless you face it head-on.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, work, criticism

Tone: evaluative

Origin & History

Possibly from 正面 (shōmen, front/direct), with the reading まとも developing in colloquial speech to mean 'facing directly' and by extension 'proper/honest.' Some theories link it to 真面 (true face).

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal