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(さけ)はほどほどに。
Drink alcohol in moderation.
仕事(しごと)もほどほどにして休(やす)んでね。
Don't overwork yourself, take breaks.
ほどほどの距離(きょり)を保(たも)つ。
To maintain a moderate distance.

ほどほど derives from 程(ほど) (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:

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 適度(てきど)に: moderately, appropriately (more formal)
  • 控(ひか)えめに: restrainedly, modestly
  • ほどよく: 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.

Related Words

Synonym: 適度(てきど) (moderate (formal))
Synonym: 控(ひか)えめ (restrained)
general
Added 2026.1.16 14:20 · Revised 2026.6.6 1:10
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