Translation guide
The English word "appropriate" covers a range of meanings from "suitable for a situation" to "taking something for oneself." This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
Describing something that fits the context, is socially acceptable, or meets expectations.
The most common and general word for "appropriate" in the sense of being suitable, proper, or fitting. Used in both formal and everyday contexts.
この状況には適切な対応が必要です。
An appropriate response is needed for this situation.
適切な言葉を選んでください。
Please choose appropriate words.
Emphasizes that something is worthy of or matches the person, occasion, or status. Often used for people, roles, or behavior.
彼はその賞にふさわしい人物だ。
He is a person appropriate for the award.
この場にふさわしい服装をしてください。
Please wear attire appropriate for this occasion.
Often used for decisions, prices, or judgments that are reasonable, valid, or fair. Slightly more formal and objective than 適切.
その価格は妥当だと思います。
I think that price is appropriate.
彼の判断は妥当だった。
His judgment was appropriate.
Can mean "appropriate" but also commonly means "half-hearted" or "random." Use with caution; context must make the positive meaning clear. Often used in set phrases like 適当な時に (at an appropriate time).
Often means "half-hearted" or "careless" in casual speech. To avoid confusion, prefer 適切 or ふさわしい for positive "appropriate."
適当な時に連絡してください。
Please contact me at an appropriate time.
Literally "suited to the place/situation." Used for behavior, clothing, or language that fits the context.
場に合った話し方をしましょう。
Let's speak in a way appropriate to the situation.
To take or use something, especially money, property, or ideas, in a way that is not right or legal.
Specifically means to embezzle or misappropriate funds or property entrusted to one's care. Common in legal/business contexts.
彼は会社の金を着服した。
He appropriated company funds.
A broader term for embezzlement or misappropriation, often used for larger-scale or more serious cases.
公金横領の疑いで逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of appropriating public funds.
To divert or misappropriate funds or resources for a different purpose than intended, not necessarily for personal gain.
予算を別のプロジェクトに流用した。
They appropriated the budget for another project.
To plagiarize or steal someone else's ideas, words, or work. Used for intellectual property.
彼は他人の論文を盗用した。
He appropriated someone else's thesis.
To allocate or reserve funds for a particular use, often in official or budgetary contexts.
To allocate or include an amount in a budget or account. Common in business and government.
新規事業に100万円を計上した。
We appropriated 1 million yen for the new business.
To allocate or set aside money, time, or resources for a specific purpose. More general than 計上する.
利益の一部を研究開発に充てる。
We appropriate a portion of profits for research and development.
While 適当 can mean "appropriate," it is far more commonly used to mean "half-hearted," "careless," or "random." For example, 適当にやる means "to do something half-heartedly." To safely express "appropriate," use 適切 or ふさわしい instead.
適当にやっておいて。
Just do it however (carelessly).