Translation guide
The ability to adjust to new conditions, environments, or changes. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed through nouns describing flexibility, verbs for adapting, and set phrases emphasizing resilience.
Describing a person's ability to adjust to new situations or changes.
The most direct translation for 'adaptability' as a personal quality. Commonly used in resumes, interviews, and formal contexts.
He has high adaptability.
Adaptability to new environments is required.
Similar to 順応性 but slightly more about practical adjustment skills. Often used in business or psychological contexts.
We want to hire people with adaptability.
Literally 'flexibility', but often used to mean adaptability in thinking or approach. Common in everyday speech.
Flexibility (adaptability) is important at work.
A set phrase meaning 'to respond flexibly according to the situation'. Emphasizes adaptability in action.
He can always adapt to circumstances.
Describing how well someone or something adjusts to a specific environment, such as a new country or climate.
The noun 'adaptation' or 'adjustment'. Often used with する to mean 'to adapt'. Suitable for both people and systems.
It took time to adapt to the new school.
Similar to 適応 but often implies a more passive or gradual adjustment, especially to social or cultural environments.
A more casual way to say 'get used to the environment'. Implies adaptability through familiarity.
I quickly adapted to the new environment.
The ability to take on different tasks or roles as needed, often in a work setting.
A modern, slightly casual phrase meaning 'able to perform in multiple roles'. Common in job descriptions.
She is a person with adaptability who can excel in various roles.
Literally 'to handle anything'. Describes a versatile, adaptable person.
He really can adapt to any task, can't he?
The capacity of organisms to adjust to their environment over time.
順応性 (じゅんのうせい) is the most direct equivalent of 'adaptability' as a personal trait, often used in formal contexts. 適応力 (てきおうりょく) is similar but emphasizes practical adjustment skills. 柔軟性 (じゅうなんせい) means 'flexibility' and is used more broadly in everyday language. For job interviews, 順応性 is safest; for casual talk, 柔軟性 or phrases like 臨機応変 are more natural.
Directly translating 'adaptability' as 適応可能性 or 適応能力 is not idiomatic. Stick to the established terms above.
This plant has adapted to the dry climate.
海外生活に順応するのは大変だ。
It's tough to adapt to life abroad.
The adaptability of living things is astonishing.