平凡(へいぼん)

へいぼん
na-adjective
ordinary, commonplace, mediocre
abstract
1. ordinary, commonplace, unremarkable, mediocre
Lacking distinction or special qualities. Describes something or someone that is average and does not stand out. Can be neutral or carry a slightly negative nuance depending on context.
平凡(へいぼん)な毎日(まいにち)を送(おく)る。
To lead an ordinary daily life.
彼(かれ)の成績(せいせき)は平凡(へいぼん)だった。
His grades were average.
平凡(へいぼん)に見(み)えるこの町(まち)にも、探(さが)してみれば面白(おもしろ)い歴史(れきし)や文化(ぶんか)が隠(かく)されている。
Even in this town that looks ordinary, if you look, you can find interesting history and culture hidden away.

Common patterns

平(へい) (flat, ordinary) + 凡(ぼん) (common, mediocre).

Forms

  • Predicate: 平凡(へいぼん)だ / 平凡(へいぼん)です
  • Modifier: 平凡(へいぼん)な + noun
  • Adverb: 平凡(へいぼん)に

Usage

平凡(へいぼん) can be neutral (simply meaning ordinary) or slightly negative (implying dull or mediocre), depending on context. When describing one's own life, it can carry a modest or even positive tone — the idea that a 平凡(へいぼん)な幸(しあわ)せ (ordinary happiness) is something to appreciate. The antonym is 非凡(ひぼん) (extraordinary, exceptional).

Common collocations

Related Words

Antonym: 非凡(ひぼん) (extraordinary, exceptional)
Compare: 普通(ふつう) (ordinary, usually)
Compare: 月並(つきな)み (commonplace, mediocre, trite)
Compare: ありきたり (ordinary)
Compare: 凡庸(ぼんよう) (mediocre)
general
Added 2026.2.21 15:12 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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