ほどほど
ほどほど
adverb, na-adjective
in moderation; moderately
1.
in moderation; moderately; to a reasonable extent
Not going to extremes, keeping things balanced.
お酒はほどほどに。
Drink alcohol in moderation.
仕事もほどほどにして休んでね。
Don't overwork yourself, take breaks.
ほどほどの距離を保つ。
To maintain a moderate distance.
ほどほど derives from 程 (extent, degree) reduplicated. It expresses the idea of keeping to a reasonable, balanced level — not too much, not too little.
PATTERNS:
- ほどほどに: in moderation (adverb)
- ほどほどの〜: moderate, reasonable ~ (na-adjective modifying a noun)
- ほどほどにする: to keep it moderate
- ほどほどにしておく: to restrain oneself, to not overdo it
COMMON CONTEXTS:
Often used when giving gentle advice or warnings:
- お酒はほどほどに: drink in moderation
- 仕事もほどほどに: don't overwork
- 甘いものはほどほどに: go easy on sweets
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 適度に: moderately, appropriately (more formal)
- 控えめに: restrainedly, modestly
- 程よく: just right, suitably (emphasizes finding the sweet spot)
NUANCE:
ほどほど implies a positive view of moderation as wisdom. It often carries a gentle, advisory tone rather than a strict prohibition.