そこそこ

• Reading: そこそこ
• Romaji: sokosoko
• Pronunciation: /so.ko.so.ko/

Meaning

Reasonably; fairly; moderately. Not great but not bad — a passable or decent level.

An adverb and no-adjective meaning 'reasonably good' or 'passable.' Implies meeting a minimum acceptable standard without being impressive: そこそこの成績 (decent grades), そこそこ売れている (selling reasonably well). Can also mean 'just barely' or 'hurriedly' in older usage. In modern conversation, it often carries a humble or understated tone when evaluating something positively but not enthusiastically.

Examples

1. 料理はそこそこできるが、プロには程遠い。 I can cook reasonably well, but I'm nowhere near a professional.
2. 今月の売り上げはそこそこだった。 This month's sales were decent.
3. そこそこ有名なレストランで食事をした。 I had a meal at a fairly well-known restaurant.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, self-evaluation, reviews

Tone: understated

Origin & History

From the reduplication of そこ (there/that place), originally meaning 'around there' or 'to that extent.' The reduplicated form evolved to express an approximate, moderate degree.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal