Translation guide
The English verb 'adapt' covers several related ideas: adjusting to new conditions, modifying something for a different purpose, and reworking a story into another medium. Japanese uses different verbs and expressions for each nuance.
To become accustomed to a new environment, situation, or way of doing things.
The most common and natural way to say 'get used to' or 'adapt to' a situation. Often used with the particle に.
It took time to adapt to the new environment.
He quickly adapted to life in Japan.
A more formal term for 'adapt,' often used in biological, psychological, or technical contexts. Implies a systematic adjustment.
Living organisms have the ability to adapt to their environment.
He couldn't adapt well to the new workplace.
Similar to 適応する but often implies a more passive or gradual adjustment, sometimes used for acclimatization.
It takes a few days for the body to adapt to high altitude.
To change something so that it can be used in a new way or for a new purpose.
To remodel, refit, or modify something physically or structurally for a new use. Often used for machines, buildings, etc.
We adapted the warehouse into an office.
This car has been adapted for use by people with disabilities.
To apply a method, idea, or technology to a different field or purpose. Focuses on practical application rather than physical modification.
To divert or repurpose something for a different use, often without major physical changes.
To change a book, play, etc. so that it can be presented as a film, TV show, or other form.
To dramatize or adapt a story for film, theater, or television. The standard term for screen/stage adaptation.
The novel was adapted into a movie.
He adapted his experiences for the stage.
To adapt a work while changing the setting, style, or details, often more loosely than 脚色. Can imply a creative reinterpretation.
Specifically means 'to make into a movie.' Very common in entertainment news.
慣れる is the everyday word for getting used to something through experience. 適応する is more formal and implies a conscious or systematic adjustment, often used in scientific or business contexts. For daily conversation about adapting to a new school or job, 慣れる is preferred.
Have you gotten used to the new school?
You need to adapt to the company culture.
The loanword アダプトする exists but is rarely used outside very specific technical contexts (e.g., biology, computing). For most meanings, use the Japanese verbs listed above.
This technology can be adapted for medical use as well.
I adapted unused furniture for storage.
They adapted a Shakespeare play into a modern setting.
The popular manga is going to be adapted into a film.