相応(そうおう)

そうおう
noun, na-adjective
suitable, fitting, appropriate
formaldescriptive
1. suitable, fitting, appropriate, proportionate
Being well-matched or proportionate to a situation, status, or effort. Implies that something is neither too much nor too little for the context.
年齢(ねんれい)相応(そうおう)の服装(ふくそう)をする。
To dress appropriately for one's age.
努力(どりょく)に相応(そうおう)した結果(けっか)が出(で)た。
Results proportionate to the effort were achieved.
立場(たちば)に相応(そうおう)しい振(ふ)る舞(ま)いが求(もと)められる。
Behavior befitting one's position is expected.

Usage

Often used as a suffix in the pattern ～相応(そうおう) meaning 'appropriate to ~' (e.g., 年齢(ねんれい)相応(そうおう) = age-appropriate). Also appears as 相応(そうおう)しい (befitting) and ～に相応(そうおう)した (proportionate to).

The expression 分(ぶん)相応(そうおう) means 'within one's means / befitting one's station' and appears in the set phrase 身(み)の程(ほど)を知(し)る context.

Common collocations

Related Words

Related: それなりに (in its own way)
general
Added 2026.2.26 22:35 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
13500/13714_souou