1.
average, typical, ordinary
Representing the standard or norm for a group. Can be neutral (statistically average) or slightly negative (unremarkable, nothing special).
平均的な日本人の身長はどれくらいですか。
What is the average height of a Japanese person?
平均的な家庭の収入は年々変化している。
The income of the average household changes year by year.
成績は平均的だが、部活動では目覚ましい活躍を見せている。
His grades are average, but he's shown remarkable performance in club activities.
Formed from 平均 (average) with the suffix 的 (forming na-adjectives). A very productive pattern in Japanese — 基本的 (basic), 一般的 (general), 典型的 (typical) all follow the same structure.
USAGE:
Used as a na-adjective modifier (平均的な + noun) or as an adverb (平均的に). Can describe statistical averages or, more loosely, what is considered normal or ordinary.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 平均的な体格: an average build
- 平均的な収入: an average income
- 平均的な日本人: the average Japanese person
- 平均的に見て: looking at it on average
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 普通の: normal, ordinary — more colloquial and broader, covering social norms as well as averages
- 標準的な: standard — implies conforming to an established norm or benchmark
- 一般的な: general, common — focuses on what is widely seen or accepted