加減

• Reading: かげん
• Romaji: kagen
• Kanji breakdown: 加 (ka) — add, increase; 減 (gen) — decrease, subtract
• Pronunciation: /ka.ɡeɴ/

Meaning

Adjustment; degree; moderation. Also means addition and subtraction.

A versatile noun that literally means 'adding and subtracting' but is most commonly used to express degree, adjustment, or condition. Appears in expressions like いい加減 (irresponsible; moderate), 手加減 (going easy on someone), and 湯加減 (bath temperature). As a suffix, it describes the state or condition of something.

Examples

1. 味の加減が絶妙だった。 The seasoning was perfectly balanced.
2. お湯の加減はいかがですか。 How is the water temperature?
3. いい加減に宿題をやりなさい。 Hurry up and do your homework already.

Usage Guide

Context: cooking, daily life, health

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 加 (to add) and 減 (to reduce/subtract). The mathematical meaning of addition and subtraction extended metaphorically to mean adjusting, balancing, or finding the right degree of something.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal