1.
fairly; more or less; passable; not bad
An understated positive evaluation meaning something is acceptable or reasonably good, though not outstanding. Conveys a reserved, characteristically Japanese form of moderate praise.
An evaluative adverb indicating something is acceptable or moderately good — not excellent, but satisfactory. Derived from repeating まず (first; at any rate), which itself can mean "reasonably."
Usage
- Expresses a mildly positive evaluation — "not perfect but good enough"
- Can function as an adverb modifying a noun with の: まずまずの結果 (passable results)
- Can also be used as a predicate: まずまずだ (it's passable)
- The tone is reserved — it avoids strong praise, which can feel very Japanese in its understatement
Common collocations
- まずまずの成績: passable grades
- まずまずの結果: fairly good results
- まずまずの出来: decent work/performance
- まずまずの天気: fairly good weather