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Let's take a look at an interesting example. Dave's Japanese boss is expecting a full report on the effects of margarine mixed in honey lime juice and seal blood on the appetite of a desert survivor by Friday. Dave, who comes from the North Pole, could not in his life fathom what a desert is like, just made something up. Now, when his boss receives a half-page report about how a desert survivor would drink the concoction anyway, he would remarked 「デーブさん、これは中途半端な努力やな...」. In English, it would be "Dave, I hate to say this to you, but I think this is the most half-ass job I have ever seen in my life..."
OK, now you will be able to go out and express your dissatisfaction to customer service people, the newspaper delivery guy, and friendly neighbors in a natural Japanese way. New friends will be made today!