まあまあ
まあまあ
adverb
so-so; fairly; passably
1.
so-so; fairly; passably
Neither good nor bad; average or acceptable.
まあまあ美味しい。
It's fairly delicious.
調子は？ーまあまあだね。
How are you doing? —So-so.
今回の試験の結果はまあまあだった。
The results of this exam were so-so.
2.
now, now; calm down
Used to soothe or calm someone.
まあまあ、落ち着いて。
Now, now, calm down.
まあまあ、そんなに怒らないで。
Now, now, don't get so angry.
まあまあ、話を聞いてからにしましょう。
Now, now, let's hear what they have to say first.
まあまあ is a versatile expression with two distinct uses.
SENSE 1 - SO-SO / FAIRLY:
Indicates something is average or acceptable — not bad, but not great either. Often implies 'better than expected but nothing special.'
- As a modifier: まあまあ美味しい (fairly delicious)
- As a standalone response: 調子は？ — まあまあ。 (How are things? — So-so.)
- As a predicate: 結果はまあまあだった (the result was so-so)
SENSE 2 - NOW, NOW / CALM DOWN:
Used to soothe or placate someone who is upset or agitated. Often followed by a suggestion or reassurance.
- まあまあ、落ち着いて (now, now, calm down)
- まあまあ、そう言わないで (come now, don't say that)
REGISTER:
Casual and conversational. Both senses are common in everyday speech. The soothing sense is often used by older speakers or in a gently patronizing way.