約
yaku
The English word 'approximately' can be expressed in Japanese using several forms, most commonly 約 (yaku). Wiktionary also lists およそ (oyoso) and 大略 (tairyaku).
Meaning: imprecise but close to in quantity or amount (adv)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 約 | yaku | |
| およそ | oyoso | [o̞jo̞so̞] (narrow) |
| 大略 | tairyaku |
These terms are used to indicate a quantity or amount that is imprecise but close to a specific value.
Which one should you use?
While 約 and およそ refer to numerical quantities, 大略 is used to describe the general outline or gist of an idea or a story rather than a specific amount.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
約 is commonly used in written reports, news and technical contexts to denote approximate numerical values. およそ is a formal term meaning 'approximately' or 'about'. In contrast, だいたい is used in informal conversations and the particle ぐらい is an informal way to indicate approximation when added to a number or quantity.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle ぐらい is an informal particle that can be added to a number or quantity to indicate approximation.
How do you pronounce it?
yaku
Did you know?
- In very formal contexts, およそ can be used to mean 'entirely' or 'at all' when paired with a negative verb, such as saying something is 'not at all' possible.
- While 約 usually means 'approximately' in a numerical context, as a noun it means 'promise' or 'contract', as seen in the word 約束 for 'appointment'.
- In casual speech, the particle ぐらい can be used to describe the 'extent' of a feeling, such as saying a task is 'about as hard as' climbing a mountain.
Examples in context
- この木は樹齢約300年です。This tree is approximately three hundred years old.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 約 with a number of years.Tatoeba #11491193 by small_snow, translation #4600214 by Hybrid
- 車で、およそ何時間くらいかかりますか？Approximately how many hours does it take by car?This sentence is useful for seeing how to use およそ when asking about a duration of time.Tatoeba #3362332 by arnab, translation #12558699 by CK
- その工場はおよそ300人の労働者を解雇した。The factory laid off approximately 300 workers.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use およそ with a number of people.Tatoeba #10456353 by KK_kaku_, translation #11179269 by CK
- そのビルは、およそ200メートルの高さがあります。That building has an approximate height of 200 meters.
- この報告書は、ほぼ完成しました。This report is almost complete.
- あの映画は、だいたい3時間ぐらいの長さです。That movie is about three hours long.
- この地域の人口は、15万人ぐらいです。The population of this area is approximately 150,000 people.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are discussing their travel time to the station.
- 蓮 Ren駅から家まで約15分かかります。eki kara ie made yaku jūgofun kakarimasu.It takes approximately 15 minutes from the station to the house.
- 結衣 Yuiそんなに近いのですね。sonna ni chikai no desu ne.Oh, it's that close?
- 蓮 Renはい、歩いて行けますよ。hai, aruite ikemasu yo.Yes, you can walk there.
- 結衣 Yui分かりました。ありがとうございます。wakarimashita. arigatō gozaimasu.I understand. Thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “approximately” translations and entries 約, およそ, 大略, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
