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)り (regular serving size)

ORDERING AT RESTAURANTS: At chain restaurants like 吉野家(よしのや), portion sizes are typically 並(なみ) (regular), 大盛(おおもり)り (large), and 特盛(とくもり)り (extra-large). 並(なみ) is the default size.

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

Related Words

Contrast: 波(なみ) (wave)
general
Added 2026.2.16 10:58 · Revised 2026.2.19 21:42
11000/11374_nami