1.
proper amount; appropriate quantity; right dose
The suitable or appropriate amount of something — neither too much nor too little. Very common in cooking, medicine, and health contexts.
塩を適量加える。
Add an appropriate amount of salt.
水分を適量取ることが大切だ。
It is important to drink the right amount of water.
お酒は適量であれば健康に良いと言われることもある。
It is sometimes said that alcohol in moderation can be good for your health.
USAGE NOTES:
適量 is extremely common in recipes, where it indicates the cook should add ingredients to taste rather than measuring exactly. It also appears frequently in health and medical advice.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 適量を加える (to add an appropriate amount)
- 適量を守る (to observe the proper dosage)
- 適量の飲酒 (drinking in moderation)
- 塩適量 (salt to taste — in recipes)
In recipes, 適量 and 少々 (a pinch) are the two most common imprecise measurements. 適量 generally indicates a somewhat larger or more variable amount than 少々.