およそ

• Reading: およそ
• Romaji: oyoso
• Pronunciation: /o.jo.so/

Meaning

About; roughly; approximately. Used to give an estimated number or general idea.

An adverb placed before numbers, quantities, or general statements to indicate approximation. Can also mean 'generally' or 'on the whole' in more formal contexts. Similar to だいたい but slightly more formal. Written mostly in hiragana; the kanji form 凡そ is uncommon.

Examples

1. ここから駅まではおよそ十分かかる。 It takes roughly ten minutes from here to the station.
2. 会場にはおよそ三百人が集まった。 Approximately three hundred people gathered at the venue.
3. およその見積もりを出してもらえますか。 Could you give me a rough estimate?

Usage Guide

Context: estimates, reports, explanations

Tone: measured

Origin & History

From classical おほよそ (ohoyoso), meaning 'the greater part' or 'in general.' The kanji 凡 (bon/han) means ordinary or approximate. Over time the pronunciation shifted and the word came to be written predominantly in hiragana.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal