妥当

• Reading: だとう
• Romaji: datou
• Kanji breakdown: 妥 (da) — gentle, compromise; 当 (tou) — hit, proper, right
• Pronunciation: /da.toː/

Meaning

Valid; proper; reasonable. Describes something that is logically sound or appropriate.

A na-adjective used to evaluate whether a decision, judgment, or amount is reasonable and acceptable: 妥当な判断 (a valid judgment), 妥当な価格 (a reasonable price), 妥当性 (validity). Also functions as a noun and suru verb. More analytical than 正しい (correct), focusing on reasonableness rather than absolute truth.

Examples

1. この価格は品質を考えると妥当だと思う。 Considering the quality, I think this price is reasonable.
2. 委員会は妥当な結論に達した。 The committee reached a valid conclusion.
3. 彼の意見は妥当性に欠けている。 His opinion lacks validity.

Usage Guide

Context: business, academic, legal

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Compound of 妥 (da, gentle/compromise) and 当 (tou, to hit/proper). Together, 'gently proper' — something that settles into a reasonable and fitting position.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal