moderately
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 moderately、in a reasonable amount
- 2 fairly、quite、considerably
พอควร describes an amount or degree as moderate or reasonable. It can also indicate, in an understated way, that something is fairly or considerably so.
moderately、in a reasonable amount
Indicates that an action or amount is kept at a moderate, appropriate level.
-
ควรกินแต่พอควร khuan kin tɛ̀ɛ phɔɔ khuan You should eat in moderation. ควรกินแต่พอควร details
-
ใส่น้ำตาลแค่พอควร sày námtaan khɛ̂ɛ phɔɔ khuan Add just the right amount of sugar. ใส่น้ำตาลแค่พอควร details
fairly、quite、considerably
Understates a noticeable or substantial degree, often corresponding to “fairly” or “quite.”
-
งานนี้ยากพอควร ŋaan níi yâak phɔɔ khuan This job is quite difficult. งานนี้ยากพอควร details
Show more (1)
-
ต้องใช้เวลาพอควร tɔ̂ŋ cháy weelaa phɔɔ khuan It takes a considerable amount of time. ต้องใช้เวลาพอควร details
Learning notes
Explanation
พอควร combines พอ, meaning “enough” or “just right,” with ควร, meaning “appropriate” or “should.” Together, they convey the idea of a degree that can reasonably be considered appropriate. It usually follows the action, quality, or quantity it modifies. With actions or measured amounts, it often means “moderately.” With qualities, abilities, difficulty, time, and similar notions, it can understatedly mean “fairly” or “considerably.” It is neutral in register and works in both conversation and writing. The closely related form พอสมควร is also extremely common.
Usage
It is commonly used for moderate amounts of food, ingredients, or other quantities, and for understated assessments of ability, quality, difficulty, time, distance, cost, and similar matters.
Caution
The best translation depends on what พอควร modifies: กินพอควร means “eat in moderation,” while ยากพอควร normally means “quite difficult.” Also, the expression as a whole does not convey the obligation expressed by ควร on its own.
Differences from similar words
1 moderately synonyms
-
พอเหมาะ more clearly means that an amount or degree is just right for a particular purpose. พอควร allows a broader sense of being moderate or reasonable.
2 fairly synonyms
-
ค่อนข้าง usually comes before an adjective or adverb and often means “rather” or “relatively.” พอควร typically follows the expression it modifies and gives an understated sense of “fairly” or “considerably.”