まともな

まともな
adjective-na
proper; decent; respectable
1. proper; decent; respectable; normal
Describes something or someone that meets ordinary standards of quality, behavior, or reasonableness. Often used to contrast with something deficient or abnormal.
まともな仕事(しごと)がしたい。
I want a proper job.
あの(ひと)はまともな大人(おとな)だ。
That person is a decent adult.
まともに(はな)()えば、解決(かいけつ)できるはずだ。
If we talk it through properly, we should be able to resolve it.
2. direct; head-on; straight
Facing something directly or squarely without avoidance.
まともに()()られない。
I can't look them straight in the eye.
台風(たいふう)をまともに()けた。
We took the full brunt of the typhoon.
まともに相手(あいて)にしないほうがいい。
It's better not to deal with them seriously.

USAGE:
まとも is frequently used in everyday conversation to evaluate whether something meets a basic standard. It often carries an implied comparison: "compared to what is substandard." The adverbial form まともに is very common.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • まともな生活(せいかつ) (a decent life)
  • まともな食事(しょくじ) (a proper meal)
  • まともに()()う (to take someone seriously)
  • まともに()ける (to take the full force of)

GRAMMAR:
As a na-adjective, まとも takes な before nouns and に as an adverb. The adverbial form まともに is especially frequent.