Translation and Meaning of: 手頃 - tegoro

The Japanese word 手頃[てごろ] is a versatile term that frequently appears in everyday life, but often generates doubts among language students. In this article, we will explore its meaning, practical uses, and how it fits into Japanese culture. If you have ever wondered how to translate 手頃 or in what situations it is applied, keep reading to find out.

In addition to explaining the translation and context of use, we will address cultural aspects that make this word so useful in Japan. Whether to describe an affordable price or something of the ideal size, 手頃 carries nuances that reflect Japanese values. In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you will find clear examples of how to use it correctly.

Meaning and translation of 手頃

手頃[てごろ] can be translated as "suitable," "convenient," or "affordable," depending on the context. It is often used to describe things that are just right: not too big, not too small, not too expensive, and not too cheap. For example, a product with a 手頃 price is one that fits within the budget without sacrificing quality.

The term also appears in everyday situations, such as when choosing an apartment or furniture. A 手頃 sofa would be the ideal size for the living room, while a 手頃 job can mean a position with a balanced workload. This semantic flexibility makes the word widely used in daily conversations.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The writing of 手頃 combines two significant kanjis: 手 (hand) and 頃 (period, time). Together, they suggest the idea of something that "fits well in the hand" or is "within reach." This etymology is confirmed by sources like the 漢字源 (Kanji Dictionary), which highlights the sense of proportionality and convenience.

It is interesting to note that the kanji 頃 by itself carries the notion of an appropriate time. When combined with 手, the focus shifts to physical or practical adequacy. This combination reflects well the pragmatism of the Japanese language, where abstract ideas often gain concrete expression.

Cultural usage and frequency

In Japan, 手頃 goes beyond a simple description – it encapsulates an ideal of moderation and common sense. In a culture that values harmony and balance, finding 手頃 options is seen as a virtue. This explains why the word appears both in supermarket advertisements and in discussions about lifestyle.

According to the Modern Japanese Language Corpus, 手頃 is among the 3,000 most used terms in the language, appearing regularly in magazines, TV programs, and manuals. Its popularity is due to its ability to express, in a single word, the concept of "neither too much nor too little." For students, mastering its use is an important step to sound more natural in Japanese.

Tips for memorization

An effective way to remember 手頃 is to associate its kanji with practical situations. Think of 手 as "something you hold" and 頃 as "at the right moment." Together, they create the mental image of an object that fits perfectly in your hands at the moment you need it – whether it's an ideally sized phone or a cup with balanced weight.

Another strategy is to create flashcards with real examples, such as "このアパートは手頃な大きさです" (This apartment has an appropriate size). The Suki Nihongo dictionary offers contextualized phrases that help memorize not only the meaning but also the correct application in different scenarios.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 手ごろ (tegoro) - Accessible or reasonable, often used to describe something that is suitable and easy to obtain.
• 手軽 (tegaru) - Practical and easy to use, it suggests a simple and straightforward approach.
• 手近 (tejika) - Next or accessible, referring to something that is at hand or easily available.

手頃

Romaji: tegoro
Kana: てごろ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: moderate; useful

Meaning in English: moderate;handy

Definition: It is within our reach. It is simple and easy to achieve.

Example Sentences - (手頃) tegoro

See below some example sentences:

手頃な価格の商品を探しています。

tegoro na kakaku no shouhin wo sagashiteimasu

I am looking for affordable products.

I'm looking for affordable products.

• 手頃な - affordable, reasonable
• 価格 - price
• の - particle indicating possession or connection
• 商品 - product, merchandise
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 探しています - searching