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B1 adjective #3,200 가장 일반적인 11분 분량

手頃

tegoro 상위 3,200

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 手頃 30초 만에

설명 手頃 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '手頃' (tegoro) simply as a nicer way to say 'cheap' or 'good price.' Imagine you are shopping in Tokyo. You see a beautiful notebook. It costs 300 yen. You might say, 'Kore wa tegoro desu' (This is a good price). It is a helpful word for basic shopping because it shows you are happy with the price. At this stage, just focus on using it with 'nedan' (price). For example, 'tegoro na nedan' (a reasonable price). It helps you express that you are comfortable buying something. You don't need to worry about the 'size' or 'difficulty' meanings yet. Just use it when you find something that isn't too expensive but looks good. It's a friendly word to use with shopkeepers to show you like their products. Remember, it's a 'na-adjective,' so you say 'tegoro NA mono' (a reasonable thing). Even at A1, using 'tegoro' instead of just 'yasui' (cheap) makes your Japanese sound more polite and thoughtful. It shows you appreciate the value of the item, not just the low cost. Practice saying it when you see things in a 100-yen shop or a local market. It's a great 'survival' word for travelers who want to sound like they know the local value of things.

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For A2 learners, '手頃' (tegoro) becomes more versatile. You can start using it to describe not just the price, but the size of objects. Think about things you use every day, like a 'tegoro na kaban' (a handy-sized bag) or a 'tegoro na pasokon' (a manageable laptop). At this level, you should understand that 'tegoro' means something fits your needs perfectly. It's the 'just right' word. If you are looking for an apartment, you might say the rent is 'tegoro.' If you are looking for a gift for a friend, you want something 'tegoro'—not too big, not too expensive, but just right for the occasion. You will also hear this word in advertisements or on TV. When a presenter says a product is 'tegoro,' they are trying to tell you it's a smart purchase. You should practice using it in sentences like 'Kono kamera wa tegoro na saizu desu' (This camera is a handy size). Notice how it often comes before a noun with 'na.' It's also useful when comparing things. If one item is too expensive and another is too cheap/poor quality, the one in the middle is 'tegoro.' It's a very practical word for daily life in Japan, helping you navigate shops, restaurants, and services with confidence.

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At the B1 level, you should master the nuance that separates '手頃' (tegoro) from its synonyms. You are now expected to use it to describe tasks and levels of difficulty. For instance, a 'tegoro na mondai' is a problem that is challenging but solvable—it's not too hard and not too easy. This nuance of 'manageability' is key at this stage. You can also use it to describe an opponent in sports or a game: 'tegoro na aite' (a suitable opponent). This shows you understand that 'tegoro' is about the relationship between a person and an object or task. It's about the 'fit.' You should also be aware of the etymology: 'te' (hand) + 'goro' (condition/time). This helps you remember that it originally meant 'fitting in the hand.' In business or work contexts, you can use 'tegoro' to suggest that a project or a goal is realistic and achievable. It's a great word for making suggestions. Instead of saying something is 'easy' (kantan), which might sound dismissive, saying it is 'tegoro' sounds professional and balanced. You should also start noticing 'tegoro' in written Japanese, such as in magazines or online reviews, where it is used to evaluate products and services. It's a bridge between casual and formal Japanese, making it a powerful tool for your expanding vocabulary.

As a B2 learner, you should use '手頃' (tegoro) to express more complex judgments of value and appropriateness. You can use it to discuss 'human scale'—the idea that things should be designed to fit human needs and capabilities. For example, you might discuss whether a city's public transport is 'tegoro' in terms of both cost and accessibility. You should also be able to distinguish 'tegoro' from more formal terms like 'anka' (low price) or 'tekisetsu' (appropriate). While 'anka' is objective, 'tegoro' is subjective and reflects the speaker's personal feeling of 'fit.' At this level, you can use 'tegoro' in more abstract ways, such as describing a 'tegoro na kyori' (a reasonable distance) for a walk or a commute. You should also be sensitive to the social implications of the word. For example, in gift-giving (zoutou), choosing a 'tegoro' gift is a social skill—it shows you respect the recipient without making them feel obligated to spend too much in return. You can use 'tegoro' in debates or discussions to argue for balanced solutions. It's a word that conveys common sense and pragmatism. Practice using it in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Quality and price are perfectly balanced, making this a tegoro option for most consumers.' This level of expression will make your Japanese sound very natural and mature.

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At the C1 level, you should have a deep, intuitive grasp of '手頃' (tegoro) and its place in the Japanese linguistic landscape. You can use it to analyze marketing strategies or consumer behavior, discussing how brands position themselves as 'tegoro' to capture the middle-market segment. You should be able to use the word in literary or high-level journalistic contexts, perhaps discussing the 'tegoro-sa' (reasonableness/handiness) of modern technology and how it affects our lives. You should also be aware of the historical evolution of the word and how it relates to other 'te-' (hand) related words like 'tegiwa' (skill/performance) or 'temijika' (briefly). This allows you to see the underlying logic of the Japanese language. At this stage, you can use 'tegoro' to describe the 'manageability' of entire systems or ideologies. For example, is a certain political policy 'tegoro' for the current economic climate? You can also use it to express subtle irony or sarcasm in creative writing. Your understanding of 'tegoro' should be so nuanced that you can explain to others why it's the perfect word for a specific situation where 'tekisetsu' or 'riizunaburu' would feel slightly off. You are now using the word not just to communicate, but to add texture and precision to your speech and writing, reflecting a sophisticated appreciation for Japanese culture and thought.

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At the C2 level, '手頃' (tegoro) is a tool for philosophical and stylistic precision. You can explore the concept of 'tegoro' as a reflection of the Japanese preference for harmony (wa) and the middle path. You might use it in a lecture or a deep academic essay to describe the ergonomic relationship between humans and their environment, or the psychological comfort found in things that are 'tegoro.' Your usage should be flawless, incorporating it into complex, multi-layered sentences that discuss the intersection of economics, design, and social expectations. You can use 'tegoro' to critique the modern tendency toward excess, arguing for a return to 'tegoro' values. At this level, you are also a master of the word's register. You know exactly when to use it to sound approachable and down-to-earth, and when to use a more clinical term. You can play with the word's physical origins ('fitting the hand') to create metaphors in your writing. For a C2 speaker, '手頃' is more than just a word for 'affordable'; it's a window into a worldview that values balance, accessibility, and human-centric design. You can use it to facilitate high-level negotiations, using its nuance of 'reasonableness' to find common ground between parties. Your mastery of '手頃' is a testament to your deep integration into the Japanese language and its underlying cultural philosophy.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

手頃 30초 만에

Tegoro means 'reasonable' or 'handy' in terms of price, size, or difficulty.
It is a na-adjective that implies something is 'just right' for the user.
Commonly used in shopping to describe affordable but good quality items.
Avoid using it to describe people's character, as it can sound insulting.

The Japanese word 手頃 (てごろ, tegoro) is a quintessential term used to describe something that is 'just right' in terms of scale, price, or difficulty. Etymologically, it combines '手' (te, hand) and '頃' (koro/goro, approximate time or condition), literally suggesting something that fits perfectly within one's hand or grasp. In modern Japanese, its most common application refers to affordability, but it extends far beyond the wallet to encompass physical size and mental effort.

Price and Value: When a Japanese speaker says a price is 'tegoro,' they aren't necessarily saying it is 'cheap' (yasui). Instead, they are implying that the cost is reasonable and provides good value for the quality received. It suggests a price point that doesn't cause hesitation or financial strain for the average consumer.

このレストランは、料理の質に対して値段が非常に手頃です。
(This restaurant's prices are very affordable compared to the quality of the food.)

Physical Proportions: The term is frequently used for gadgets, tools, or furniture. A 'tegoro na saizu' (handy size) refers to an object that is neither too bulky to carry nor too small to be useful. It is the 'Goldilocks' of Japanese adjectives—everything is precisely as it should be for the intended purpose.

In social contexts, 'tegoro' can also describe a task or a challenge. A 'tegoro na aite' (a suitable opponent) refers to someone who is at a similar skill level, making a match interesting rather than one-sided. It avoids the negative connotation of 'weak' while acknowledging that the challenge is manageable. The word is deeply rooted in the Japanese aesthetic of 'human scale'—valuing things that harmonize with the human body and daily life without being overwhelming or excessive.

一人暮らしには、このアパートの広さが手頃だ。
(For living alone, the size of this apartment is just right.)

Psychological Comfort: Beyond physical attributes, 'tegoro' suggests a lack of intimidation. An 'affordable' hobby is one that doesn't require a massive initial investment, making it accessible and inviting. It lowers the barrier to entry, fostering a sense of approachability.

The versatility of 'tegoro' makes it a staple in advertising. From 'tegoro na kashitsu' (affordable luxury) to 'tegoro na kousei' (handy configuration), marketers use it to appeal to the consumer's desire for practicality and smart spending. It bridges the gap between 'low-cost' and 'high-quality,' positioning a product as a sensible choice for the discerning buyer who refuses to overpay but demands functionality. Understanding 'tegoro' is key to understanding the Japanese middle-class consumer mindset, which prioritizes balance and appropriateness over ostentation.

Using 手頃 (てごろ) correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a 'na-adjective' (keiyou-doushi). This means it usually takes 'na' when modifying a noun or 'ni' when used as an adverb, though its adverbial use is less common than its attributive use. The most frequent pattern is [Noun] + は + [手頃] + だ/です or [手頃] + な + [Noun].

Modifying Prices: The most standard usage involves 'price' (nedan) or 'cost' (kakaku). It implies the price is within a range that the speaker finds acceptable and fair.

このカメラは初心者にとって手頃な価格で、機能も充実している。
(This camera is at an affordable price for beginners, and it has plenty of features.)

Describing Size and Weight: When talking about physical objects, 'tegoro' emphasizes how well it fits the user's hands or the space available. It is often paired with 'saizu' (size) or 'omosa' (weight).

持ち運びに手頃な大きさのノートパソコンを探しています。
(I am looking for a laptop that is a handy size for carrying around.)

Another common structure is using it to describe a target or a goal. If a task is 'tegoro,' it means it is achievable without excessive stress. This is often used in work environments or when choosing a project. It suggests the level of difficulty is perfectly matched to the person's current ability.

これは週末にやるには手頃な仕事だ。
(This is a manageable job to do over the weekend.)

Comparative Use: You can use 'tegoro' to compare options. When faced with a luxury item and a budget item, the middle-ground option that balances both is the 'tegoro' choice.

もっと手頃なものはありませんか？
(Don't you have something more affordable/suitable?)

Finally, 'tegoro' can be used with distance or time. A 'tegoro na kyori' (reasonable distance) might be a 10-minute walk—not too far to be tiring, but far enough to be a good bit of exercise. In all these cases, the word emphasizes a sense of 'fit' between the subject and the human experience. It is a word of harmony and pragmatism, reflecting a desire for things to be 'just right' for the context at hand.

You will encounter 手頃 (てごろ) in a variety of real-world environments, ranging from high-street shopping to professional business meetings. It is a polite, neutral, and highly useful term that fits into many registers of speech. Because it carries a nuance of 'reasonableness,' it is preferred in situations where 'yasui' (cheap) might sound a bit blunt or even negative.

Retail and Sales: Shop assistants frequently use 'tegoro' when recommending products to customers. It is a persuasive word because it validates the customer's budget while maintaining the product's image of quality. You'll see it on signs in department stores like Isetan or Takashimaya, especially during sales seasons.

「こちらの商品は、品質も良く、お値段も手頃でおすすめですよ。」
('This product is high quality and the price is reasonable, so I recommend it.')

Real Estate and Housing: In the competitive Japanese housing market, 'tegoro' is a buzzword for apartments that are well-located and reasonably priced. Real estate agents use it to describe properties that are perfect for young professionals or students who need a functional space without the luxury price tag.

駅からの距離も近く、家賃も手頃な物件ですね。
(It's a property that is close to the station and has a reasonable rent.)

In tech reviews and lifestyle blogs, 'tegoro' is used to categorize gadgets. A smartphone might be described as 'tegoro' if it offers flagship-like features at a mid-range price. It is the go-to word for 'value for money' in the Japanese tech community. Similarly, in food blogs, a 'tegoro na ranchi' (affordable lunch) is a popular topic, referring to meals that feel like a treat but cost less than 1,500 yen.

このタブレットは、子供の学習用に手頃な性能だ。
(This tablet has a suitable level of performance for a child's study.)

Daily Conversations: Friends discussing vacation plans or weekend activities will use 'tegoro' to find a consensus on what to do. 'Tegoro na kyanpu-jou' (a suitable campsite) or 'tegoro na dorai-bu kousu' (a manageable driving course) are common phrases used to plan outings that everyone can enjoy without overextending themselves.

Ultimately, 'tegoro' is a word that signals pragmatism. Whether you are in a boardroom or a boutique, using this word shows that you are thinking about the practical balance between cost, size, and utility. It is a word of the 'middle way,' reflecting a cultural appreciation for things that are accessible and well-suited to the task at hand.

While 手頃 (てごろ) is a highly useful word, English speakers often trip up by treating it as a direct synonym for 'cheap' or by using it in contexts where a different 'suitability' word would be more appropriate. Understanding the boundaries of 'tegoro' is essential for natural-sounding Japanese.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Tegoro' with 'Yasui' (Cheap): 'Yasui' simply means the price is low. 'Tegoro' means the price is *reasonable for what you get*. If a luxury watch is on sale for $500 instead of $2,000, it is 'tegoro' (affordable luxury), but it is certainly not 'yasui' (cheap) in an absolute sense. Using 'yasui' for everything can sometimes sound a bit 'cheap' itself—as if you only care about the lowest price.

❌ このダイヤの指輪はとても安いですね。
✅ このダイヤの指輪は、この質なら手頃ですね。
(The second version implies a sophisticated understanding of value.)

Mistake 2: Using 'Tegoro' to Describe People: Be very careful here. While you can describe an opponent in a game as 'tegoro na aite' (a well-matched opponent), describing a romantic interest or a colleague as 'tegoro' can be insulting. It suggests they are 'convenient' or 'easy to handle.' Use 'tekisetsu' (appropriate) or 'fusawashii' (suitable/worthy) for people instead.

Another common error is using 'tegoro' when you actually mean 'convenient' (benri). While a 'tegoro' tool is convenient because of its size, 'tegoro' focuses on the *fit* and *scale*, while 'benri' focuses on the *utility* and *ease of use*. For example, a 24-hour convenience store is 'benri,' but it's not 'tegoro' (unless you're talking about the price of their snacks).

❌ このアプリはとても手頃です。
✅ このアプリはとても便利です。
(Apps are rarely described as 'tegoro' unless you mean the subscription price.)

Mistake 3: Over-relying on 'Tegoro' for Abstract Concepts: 'Tegoro' works best for things you can physically grasp or prices you can pay. For abstract concepts like 'an appropriate time' or 'a suitable solution,' use 'tekisetsu' (appropriate) or 'tekitou' (suitable/proper). Using 'tegoro' for a solution to a complex political problem would sound strangely physical and out of place.

Lastly, watch the particles. Remember that 'tegoro' is a na-adjective. Learners often forget the 'na' when connecting it to a noun. It's 'tegoro NA nedan,' not 'tegoro NO nedan.' While 'no' is sometimes used in very specific poetic contexts, 'na' is the standard grammatical requirement in 99% of daily Japanese.

To truly master 手頃 (てごろ), you must know how it stacks up against its synonyms. Japanese is a language of nuance, and choosing the right 'suitability' word can change the entire tone of your sentence. Here is a breakdown of the most common alternatives.

リーズナブル (Reasonable): Borrowed from English, 'riizunaburu' is almost identical to 'tegoro' when discussing price. However, it is slightly more modern and is almost *exclusively* used for costs. You wouldn't use it to describe the size of a hammer or the difficulty of a task. It sounds a bit more 'business-like' or 'trendy.'

手近 (Tejika): Also using the 'hand' (te) kanji, 'tejika' means 'nearby' or 'close at hand.' While 'tegoro' means something is a good fit, 'tejika' simply means it's physically close or easy to reach. Use 'tejika' when you're grabbing the nearest tool, regardless of whether it's the perfect size.

Comparison:
1. 手近な材料で作る (Cook with ingredients close at hand.)
2. 手頃な材料を買う (Buy ingredients at a reasonable price.)

適当 (Tekitou): This is a tricky one. 'Tekitou' can mean 'appropriate' or 'suitable,' but in casual speech, it often means 'half-hearted' or 'random.' If you say a price is 'tekitou,' people might think you just guessed it. 'Tegoro' is always a positive judgment of value and fit.

安価 (Anka): This is a formal version of 'yasui' (cheap). It is used in newspapers, technical reports, and formal business. While 'tegoro' suggests a subjective 'good deal,' 'anka' is an objective statement that the price is low. You'll see 'anka na roudouryoku' (low-cost labor) in economics, but never 'tegoro na roudouryoku.'

Comparison:
1. 手頃なワイン (A wine that is a good value for the price.)
2. 安価なワイン (A low-priced/cheap wine.)

Expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives allows you to express exactly *why* something is suitable. Are you impressed by the price-to-quality ratio? Use 'tegoro.' Are you talking about a budget-friendly option in a professional context? Use 'riizunaburu.' By choosing correctly, you demonstrate a deep understanding of Japanese social and linguistic registers.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

In the past, 'tegoro' was often used by samurai to describe a sword that was perfectly balanced for their height and strength. Today, we use the same word for smartphones and lunch sets!

발음 가이드

UK /te.ɡo.ɾo/

US /te.ɡo.ɾo/

Heiban (Flat) accent. The pitch stays relatively level throughout the word.

라임이 맞는 단어

Kokoro (Heart) Tokoro (Place) Yogoro (Night time - rare) Nemoro (Sleepy - informal) Omoro (Funny - Kansai slang) Sa-goro (Around 3 o'clock) Me-goro (Best time to see) Ne-goro (Reasonable price - similar meaning)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'ro' like a hard English 'R'. It should be a light flap.
Stretching the 'o' sounds like 'te-goh-roh'. Keep them short.
Adding a stress on the 'go'. Japanese pitch is different from English stress.
Confusing 'tegoro' with 'te-guro' (hand-black, which isn't a word).
Forgetting the 'na' when using it as an adjective.

난이도

독해 3/5

The kanji are common (N4 level), but the nuance takes some practice to master.

쓰기 3/5

Easy to write, but remember it is a na-adjective.

말하기 2/5

Very common in daily life; once you learn the 'nedan' collocation, it's easy to use.

듣기 2/5

Frequently heard in shops and advertisements.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

手 (Hand) 安い (Cheap) 値段 (Price) 大きい (Big) ちょうどいい (Just right)

다음에 배울 것

適当 (Appropriate) 相応 (Suitable) 便利 (Convenient) 贅沢 (Luxury) 予算 (Budget)

고급

矮小化 (Trivialization) 収斂 (Convergence) 価格設定 (Pricing) 人間工学 (Ergonomics)

알아야 할 문법

Na-Adjective Modifying Nouns

手頃な価格 (Tegoro NA kakaku)

Na-Adjective + Desu

この店は手頃です。 (Kono mise wa tegoro desu.)

Ni to form Adverbs

手頃に切る (Tegoro NI kiru - Cut into handy pieces)

Te-form for connecting

手頃で便利だ (Tegoro DE benri da - Reasonable and convenient)

Comparison using 'yori'

これより手頃なもの (Something more affordable than this)

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수준별 예문

このパンは手頃な値段です。

This bread is a reasonable price.

Uses 'na' to connect the adjective to the noun 'nedan' (price).

手頃なノートを買いました。

I bought an affordable notebook.

Shows 'tegoro' modifying 'noto' (notebook).

そのペンは手頃ですね。

That pen is affordable, isn't it?

Uses 'desu ne' to seek agreement.

手頃なプレゼントを探しています。

I am looking for a reasonable gift.

Standard 'sagashite imasu' (looking for) pattern.

このバッグは手頃だ。

This bag is affordable.

Uses the plain form 'da'.

手頃な傘がありますか？

Is there an affordable umbrella?

Question form using 'arimasu ka'.

リンゴが手頃な価格でした。

The apples were at a reasonable price.

Past tense 'deshita'.

これは手頃でいいですね。

This is affordable and good.

Uses the 'te-form' of a na-adjective to connect ideas.

一人暮らしに手頃なサイズのアパートです。

It's an apartment of a handy size for living alone.

Uses 'ni' to indicate the purpose (living alone).

このカメラは重さが手頃です。

This camera's weight is just right.

Topic marker 'wa' focuses on 'omosa' (weight).

手頃な料金で泊まれるホテルを探す。

Find a hotel where you can stay at a reasonable rate.

Modifies 'ryoukin' (fee/rate) and uses a potential verb 'tomareru'.

毎日の練習に手頃な長さの曲です。

It's a song of a suitable length for daily practice.

Modifies 'nagasa' (length).

手頃なランチセットを食べました。

I ate a reasonably priced lunch set.

Common phrase 'ranchi setto'.

この靴は歩くのに手頃だ。

These shoes are suitable for walking.

Uses 'no ni' to indicate the activity.

手頃な厚さの本を読みました。

I read a book of a manageable thickness.

Modifies 'atsusa' (thickness).

初心者には手頃な難易度です。

It's a suitable difficulty level for beginners.

Uses 'ni wa' for 'as for/for'.

週末の掃除には手頃な仕事量ですね。

It's a manageable amount of work for weekend cleaning.

Modifies 'shigotoryou' (workload).

この山はハイキングに手頃な高さだ。

This mountain is a suitable height for hiking.

Uses 'ni' to show suitability for hiking.

手頃な相手が見つからず、練習ができない。

I can't find a suitable opponent, so I can't practice.

Uses 'aite' to mean opponent/partner.

予算内で手頃な物件が見つかりました。

I found a suitable property within the budget.

Uses 'yusan-nai' (within budget).

手頃な距離にスーパーがあるので便利です。

It's convenient because there is a supermarket at a reasonable distance.

Modifies 'kyori' (distance).

このソフトは、個人の趣味には手頃な機能だ。

This software has suitable features for a personal hobby.

Modifies 'kinou' (features/functions).

もっと手頃な方法で解決しましょう。

Let's solve it using a more manageable method.

Modifies 'houhou' (method).

手頃な値段の割に、とても美味しいです。

Considering the reasonable price, it is very delicious.

Uses 'no wari ni' (considering/despite).

新入社員に任せるには、手頃な難しさの課題だ。

It is a task of suitable difficulty to entrust to a new employee.

Uses 'ni makaseru ni wa' (to entrust to...).

都会の喧騒を忘れるには、手頃な田舎町です。

It's a suitable countryside town for forgetting the hustle and bustle of the city.

Abstract usage of 'suitability'.

手頃な贅沢として、週末は高級なパンを買う。

As an affordable luxury, I buy high-end bread on weekends.

Uses 'toshite' (as).

この投資信託は、初心者にも手頃なリスクだと言える。

This investment trust can be said to have a manageable risk even for beginners.

Professional context involving 'risuku' (risk).

手頃な価格帯の製品を増やす戦略をとる。

We will take a strategy of increasing products in the affordable price range.

Uses 'kakakutai' (price range).

彼の提案は、今の我々には手頃な解決策ではない。

His proposal is not a manageable solution for us right now.

Negative form 'de wa nai'.

手頃な大きさに切り分けてから、調理してください。

Please cut it into handy-sized pieces before cooking.

Adverbial use 'ni' with 'kiri-wakeru'.

手頃な知名度があるタレントを起用する。

We will hire a celebrity with a suitable level of recognition.

Abstract use with 'chinmaido' (recognition/fame).

現代社会において、手頃な人間関係を維持するのは難しい。

In modern society, it is difficult to maintain manageable human relationships.

Philosophical use regarding relationships.

この政策は、国民にとって手頃な負担とは言い難い。

It is hard to say that this policy is a manageable burden for the citizens.

Uses 'to wa ii-gatai' (hard to say that...).

手頃な価格設定が、この商品の爆発的ヒットの要因だ。

The reasonable pricing is the factor behind this product's explosive hit.

Uses 'kakaku settei' (pricing/price setting).

都市開発において、手頃なスケール感を保つことが重要だ。

In urban development, it is important to maintain a sense of manageable scale.

Uses 'sukeru-kan' (sense of scale).

手頃な分量の情報を、適切なタイミングで提供する。

Provide a manageable amount of information at the appropriate timing.

Modifies 'bunryou' (amount/quantity).

その事件は、週刊誌にとって手頃なネタになった。

That incident became a handy story/material for the weekly magazines.

Slightly cynical use of 'neta' (material/story).

手頃な空地を見つけては、子供たちが遊んでいる。

Whenever they find a suitable vacant lot, children are playing.

Uses 'mitsukete wa' (whenever they find...).

手頃な成功に甘んじることなく、さらなる高みを目指す。

Without being content with easy success, aim for even greater heights.

Uses 'amanjiru koto naku' (without being content with).

技術の進歩は、かつて特権的だった贅沢を、大衆にとって手頃な日常へと変貌させた。

Technological progress has transformed luxuries that were once privileged into a manageable daily routine for the masses.

Sophisticated historical/sociological analysis.

手頃な真理を求める大衆心理が、複雑な社会問題を矮小化させている。

The mass psychology of seeking manageable truths is trivializing complex social issues.

Critique of intellectual laziness using 'tegoro'.

建築家は、冷徹な機能美の中に、手頃な温もりをいかに共存させるかに腐心した。

The architect struggled with how to make a manageable warmth coexist within a cold functional beauty.

Aesthetic discussion with 'fushin shita' (struggled/labored).

情報の洪水の中で、我々は手頃な物語に飛びつき、本質を見失いがちである。

In a flood of information, we tend to jump at manageable narratives and lose sight of the essence.

Metaphorical use in the context of information theory.

手頃な絶望と手頃な希望が交錯する、現代の空虚な風景を描写する。

Describe the empty landscape of modern times, where manageable despair and manageable hope intersect.

Literary/existential usage.

その作家の文体は、手頃な親しみやすさを装いつつ、深淵な哲学を内包している。

That author's style, while feigning a manageable accessibility, contains profound philosophy.

Literary criticism.

グローバル資本主義は、あらゆる文化を手頃なコンテンツへと収斂させていく。

Global capitalism converges all cultures into manageable content.

Socio-economic critique.

手頃な妥協点を見出すことが、外交における究極のリアリズムである。

Finding a manageable compromise is the ultimate realism in diplomacy.

Political theory application.

자주 쓰는 조합

手頃な価格

手頃なサイズ

手頃な値段

手頃な重さ

手頃な難易度

手頃な物件

手頃な距離

手頃な相手

手頃な厚さ

手頃な分量

자주 쓰는 구문

お値段もお手頃

— The price is also reasonable. Often used in polite sales talk.

質が良く、お値段もお手頃です。

手頃なところで

— At a suitable point/place. Used to suggest stopping or choosing a middle ground.

手頃なところで切り上げましょう。

手頃なものから

— Starting from the affordable/suitable ones.

まずは手頃なものから試してみる。

手頃な贅沢

— An affordable luxury. Something slightly fancy but not excessive.

週末の手頃な贅沢を楽しむ。

手頃な大きさにする

— To make something a handy size (e.g., cutting food).

肉を手頃な大きさに切る。

手頃な値段設定

— Reasonable pricing strategy.

手頃な値段設定が人気の秘密だ。

手頃なギフト

— A suitable gift that isn't too burdensome.

手頃なギフトを選んで送る。

手頃な運動

— A manageable amount of exercise.

健康のために手頃な運動を続ける。

手頃な暇つぶし

— A handy way to kill time.

スマホゲームは手頃な暇つぶしだ。

手頃な価格帯

— The affordable price range.

このブランドは手頃な価格帯だ。

자주 혼동되는 단어

手頃 vs 安い (Yasui)

Yasui is just 'cheap.' Tegoro is 'reasonable/handy.' Tegoro is more positive about the quality.

手頃 vs 便利 (Benri)

Benri is 'convenient.' Tegoro is 'suitable/handy in size or price.' A tool is tegoro because of its size, but benri because of what it does.

手頃 vs 手軽 (Tegaru)

Tegaru means 'easy/simple' to do. Tegoro means 'just right' in scale/price. You make a 'tegaru' meal, but you buy it at a 'tegoro' price.

관용어 및 표현

"手頃な相手"

— A well-matched opponent or partner.

彼は私にとって手頃な相手だ。

Neutral

"手頃に済ませる"

— To settle something in a simple or affordable way.

夕食を手頃に済ませる。

Casual

"手頃なところで手を打つ"

— To reach a compromise at a reasonable point.

交渉は手頃なところで手を打った。

Business/Neutral

"手頃な餌食"

— An easy prey (metaphorical).

彼は詐欺師の手頃な餌食になった。

Literary/Negative

"手頃な目標"

— A manageable goal.

まずは手頃な目標を立てよう。

Neutral

"手頃な材料"

— Handy materials or a 'handy excuse/topic'.

それは週刊誌の手頃な材料だ。

Neutral

"手頃な足"

— A handy means of transportation (like a bicycle).

自転車は近所の移動に手頃な足だ。

Casual

"手頃な見本"

— A perfect/handy example.

これは手頃な見本になります。

Neutral

"手頃な重荷"

— A manageable burden (often ironic).

この責任は、彼には手頃な重荷だ。

Literary

"手頃な器"

— A person of suitable capacity/talent (rare).

彼はリーダーとして手頃な器だ。

Formal

혼동하기 쉬운

手頃 vs 手近 (Tejika)

Both start with 'Te' (Hand).

Tejika is physical proximity (close by). Tegoro is suitability (just right). You use a 'tejika' dictionary because it's on the desk, but it might not be 'tegoro' (too big/heavy).

手近な紙にメモする (Write a memo on a nearby piece of paper).

手頃 vs 適当 (Tekitou)

Both mean 'suitable.'

Tekitou is more general and can mean 'random.' Tegoro is specifically about scale, price, or difficulty fitting the user.

適当な服を着る (Put on some suitable/random clothes).

手頃 vs 相応 (Souou)

Both mean 'appropriate.'

Souou is formal and often relates to status or ability. Tegoro is more about daily practicality and price.

身分に相応した生活 (A life appropriate to one's status).

手頃 vs 格安 (Kakakuyasu)

Both relate to low prices.

Kakakuyasu (or Kakuyasu) means 'dirt cheap' or 'bargain.' Tegoro means 'fair and reasonable.'

格安スマホ (Budget/Bargain smartphone).

手頃 vs 手際 (Tegiwa)

Both start with 'Te'.

Tegiwa refers to how skillfully or quickly someone performs a task. It has nothing to do with price or size.

料理の手際がいい (Good at cooking skillfully/efficiently).

문장 패턴

[Noun] は手頃です。

このペンは手頃です。

手頃な [Noun] を [Verb]。

手頃なノートを買いました。

[Activity] に手頃な [Noun] です。

練習に手頃な曲です。

[Noun] にとって手頃な [Noun] だ。

学生にとって手頃な価格だ。

手頃な [Noun] とは言い難い。

手頃な負担とは言い難い。

手頃な [Noun] へと変貌させる。

手頃な日常へと変貌させる。

手頃な [Noun] の割に [Result]。

手頃な価格の割に質がいい。

もっと手頃な [Noun] はありますか？

もっと手頃なバッグはありますか？

어휘 가족

명사

手頃さ (Tegoro-sa) - Reasonableness/Handiness

형용사

手頃な (Tegoro-na) - Reasonable/Handy

사용법

frequency

Very common in retail, real estate, and daily conversation about value.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'tegoro no' instead of 'tegoro na'. → 手頃な価格
Tegoro is a na-adjective, so it requires 'na' to modify nouns.
Describing a person's character as 'tegoro'. → 優しい人 / 親しみやすい人
'Tegoro' for people implies they are 'easy' or 'convenient' in a negative way.
Using 'tegoro' for 'convenient' software. → 便利なソフト
'Tegoro' focuses on size/price/difficulty, not general utility. Use 'benri' for software functions.
Pronouncing it as 'te-goro' with an English 'R'. → Te-go-ro (tapped R)
The Japanese 'R' is a flap, similar to the 'dd' in 'ladder'.
Using 'tegoro' for something that is simply low quality. → 安物 (yasumono)
'Tegoro' implies good value. If something is just cheap and bad, don't use 'tegoro'.

팁

The 'Na' Rule

Always remember '手頃な' (tegoro na) before a noun. It's a common mistake to say 'tegoro no' or just 'tegoro'.

Shopping Pro

Use 'tegoro' when talking to shop staff. It makes you sound like a savvy shopper who knows the value of things.

Synonym Swap

If you are writing a report, swap 'tegoro' for 'anka' (low price) to sound more professional and objective.

Gift Giving

When choosing a gift, aim for 'tegoro.' In Japan, a gift that is too expensive can actually be a burden for the recipient.

Size Matters

Don't just use it for price! Use it for the weight of a laptop or the size of a frying pan. It's very natural.

Kanji Hint

Think of the kanji '手' (hand). If it fits your hand, it's 'tegoro.' This works for both size and price (fitting your wallet's 'hand').

Avoid People

Never call your date 'tegoro.' It sounds like you're saying they are 'easy' or just 'convenient.' Stick to objects and prices.

Business Goals

Use 'tegoro' to describe 'manageable' goals in meetings. It sounds realistic and practical.

Adverbial Use

You can use '手頃に' (tegoro ni) when telling someone how to cut vegetables or prepare materials.

Ads and Signs

Look for 'お手頃価格' on supermarket flyers. It's one of the most common phrases in Japanese advertising.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'Te' (Hand) and 'Goro' (Around/Goal). If something is 'Tegoro,' it's 'Around your Hand'—easy to reach, easy to hold, and easy to pay for.

시각적 연상

Imagine holding a small, perfectly sized camera in your hand. It feels light, fits your palm, and you didn't pay too much for it. That feeling is 'tegoro.'

Word Web

Hand Price Size Just Right Comfortable Manageable Affordable Value

챌린지

Go to a Japanese online store (like Amazon JP or Rakuten) and find three items you think are 'tegoro.' Write a sentence for each using '手頃な価格'.

어원

Formed from the kanji 手 (hand) and 頃 (approximate time/condition/state). It dates back to the Edo period or earlier.

원래 의미: Literally 'fitting in the hand' or 'the state of the hand.' It referred to tools or weapons that were the perfect size for one's grip.

Japonic (Native Japanese origin/Yamato Kotoba).

문화적 맥락

Avoid using 'tegoro' for people unless it's a sports opponent. Describing a person as 'tegoro' can imply they are 'easy' in a sexual or derogatory way.

English speakers often say 'reasonable' or 'affordable.' 'Tegoro' covers both but adds the physical 'handy' nuance that 'reasonable' lacks.

Shop Japan (TV Shopping): Frequently uses 'tegoro' to describe 'limited time offers.' Consumer Reports (Japan): Often uses 'tegoro' in product comparison charts. Real Estate Ads: 'Tegoro na bukken' is a standard headline for budget-friendly apartments.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Shopping for clothes

手頃な値段ですね。
サイズが手頃です。
手頃なものを見せてください。
デザインも手頃でいい。

Real Estate

手頃な物件はありますか？
家賃が手頃だ。
広さが手頃です。
駅から手頃な距離です。

Cooking

手頃な大きさに切る。
手頃な材料で作る。
手頃な分量を入れる。
手頃な火加減にする。

Sports/Games

手頃な相手と練習する。
難易度が手頃だ。
手頃な目標を立てる。
手頃な重さのラケット。

Travel

手頃なホテルに泊まる。
手頃なプランを選ぶ。
手頃な距離の観光地。
手頃な予算で旅行する。

대화 시작하기

"「最近、手頃な値段で美味しいお店を見つけましたか？」 (Have you found any affordable and delicious shops lately?)"

"「新しいパソコンを買いたいんですが、手頃なものはどれだと思いますか？」 (I want to buy a new PC; which one do you think is a reasonable option?)"

"「このバッグ、手頃なサイズで使いやすそうじゃないですか？」 (Doesn't this bag look easy to use with its handy size?)"

"「手頃な運動として、散歩を始めるのはどう思いますか？」 (What do you think about starting walking as a manageable form of exercise?)"

"「一人暮らしをするなら、どのくらいの広さが手頃だと思いますか？」 (If you live alone, what size do you think is just right?)"

일기 주제

今日買ったもので、一番『手頃』だと思ったものは何ですか？その理由も書いてください。 (What was the most 'reasonable' thing you bought today? Write the reason too.)

あなたにとって『手頃な贅沢』とは何ですか？詳しく説明してください。 (What is an 'affordable luxury' for you? Explain in detail.)

最近始めた趣味は、手頃な難易度ですか？それとも難しいですか？ (Is the hobby you started recently at a manageable difficulty level, or is it hard?)

将来住みたい家の『手頃なサイズ』について書いてみましょう。 (Write about the 'ideal size' of the house you want to live in in the future.)

仕事や勉強で『手頃な目標』を立てることのメリットは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think are the benefits of setting 'manageable goals' in work or study?)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Generally, no. It's safe only for sports opponents ('tegoro na aite'). Using it for friends or partners can imply they are 'easy' or 'convenient' in a negative way. Use 'tekisetsu' or 'yasashii' instead.

Yes. 'Yasui' can sometimes sound like the item is low-quality. 'Tegoro' implies the item has good value and the price is fair, making it a more sophisticated choice in conversation.

'Riizunaburu' is used almost exclusively for prices. 'Tegoro' is more versatile and can describe physical size, weight, and difficulty levels as well.

It is a na-adjective. You must use 'na' when it modifies a noun, like 'tegoro na saizu' (handy size).

Yes! It is very common in real estate to describe an 'affordable' or 'appropriately sized' house as 'tegoro na bukken'.

You can say 'tegoro de wa nai' or 'tegoro ja nai' (casual). If something is too expensive, 'takasugiru' is more common.

Not necessarily. It means 'reasonable for the quality.' A $100 steak might be 'tegoro' if it usually costs $200, but it is not 'yasui' (cheap).

Rarely. For 'an appropriate time,' 'tekisetsu na jiki' is better. However, you can use it for 'a reasonable duration' (tegoro na jikan).

It's the polite version of 'tegoro.' You will see it on store signs ('o-tegoro kakaku') to make the offer sound more inviting and respectful to the customer.

Yes. 'Tegoro na bunryou' means a portion size that is just right—not too much, not too little.

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기