そこそこ

そこそこ
adverb, na-adjective (の/な)
so-so; reasonably; passable; moderate
1. so-so; reasonably; fairly; passable
Describes something that is acceptable or adequate, though not outstanding. Indicates a moderate, middle-ground level of quality or quantity.
給料(きゅうりょう)はそこそこだけど、仕事(しごと)(らく)だ。
The salary is so-so, but the work is easy.
そこそこ人気(にんき)のあるレストランだ。
It's a reasonably popular restaurant.
そこそこの成績(せいせき)卒業(そつぎょう)した。
I graduated with passable grades.
2. hurriedly; hastily (with に)
When used with に, indicates doing something quickly and moving on, without lingering.
(あさ)(はん)をそこそこに()ませて()かけた。
I hurriedly finished breakfast and left.
挨拶(あいさつ)をそこそこに()()げて、(つぎ)予定(よてい)()かった。
I cut the greetings short and headed to my next appointment.
準備(じゅんび)をそこそこに()ませて出発(しゅっぱつ)したので、(わす)(もの)をしてしまった。
I left after rushing through my preparations, so I forgot something.

USAGE:

Sense 1 (so-so/moderate):

As adverb: そこそこ + adjective/verb

  • そこそこ美味(おい)しい (fairly tasty)
  • そこそこ()れている (selling reasonably well)

As modifier: そこそこの/な + noun

  • そこそこの値段(ねだん) (a reasonable price)
  • そこそこな成績(せいせき) (passable grades)

Sense 2 (hurriedly):

〜をそこそこに + verb

  • 挨拶(あいさつ)をそこそこに()()る (to leave after a hasty greeting)

NUANCE:
そこそこ implies something is acceptable but not impressive—good enough to pass muster without standing out. It can sound modest or even slightly dismissive.

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • まあまあ - So-so, not bad (similar meaning)
  • ほどほど - Moderate, in moderation
  • それなりに - In its own way, reasonably

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