並(なみ)

なみ

noun, na-adjective

ordinary, average, medium

1. ordinary, average, medium

Indicates something of standard or unremarkable quality or level. Often used in restaurants and shops to indicate a standard-size serving or grade, as opposed to special (上) or large (大盛り).

並(なみ)の成績(せいせき)だ。

Average grades.

牛丼(ぎゅうどん)の並(なみ)を一(ひと)つください。

One regular-size beef bowl, please.

あの選手(せんしゅ)の体力(たいりょく)は並(なみ)ではない。

That athlete's physical stamina is extraordinary.

Usage: 並(なみ) describes things that are standard or unremarkable. It often carries a slightly dismissive nuance, implying something is nothing special.

Common collocations

並(なみ)の能力(のうりょく) (ordinary ability)
並(なみ)の人間(にんげん) (ordinary person)
並(なみ)ではない / 並(なみ)じゃない (not ordinary, extraordinary)
並盛(なみも)り (regular serving size)

Cultural note

At beef-bowl chains such as 吉野家(よしのや), portion sizes are typically 並(なみ) (regular), 大盛(おおも)り (large), and 特盛(とくも)り (extra-large); 並(なみ) is the default.

Watch out

Do not confuse with 波(なみ) (wave), which is a different word.

Related Words

Compare: 波(なみ) (wave)

general

Added 2026.2.16 10:58 · Revised 2026.10.19 10:13

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