Translation guide
The idea of doing what is practical or convenient in the moment, even if it's not ideal or morally right. In Japanese, this is often expressed through words for convenience, opportunism, or temporary measures.
Describing actions taken for immediate practical benefit, often with a negative nuance of sacrificing principles.
Refers to convenience or expediency, often used in formal contexts. Can imply a practical arrangement rather than a principled one.
彼は便宜的な解決策を選んだ。
He chose an expedient solution.
Literally 'convenience-ism'. A critical term for acting out of self-serving expediency, changing stance as it suits one.
彼の意見はご都合主義だ。
His opinions are based on expediency.
A stopgap measure, something done just to get through the moment. Emphasizes the temporary, makeshift nature of the action.
その場しのぎの対応では問題は解決しない。
An expedient response won't solve the problem.
Taking advantage of a situation for personal gain, often disregarding ethics.
Means 'taking advantage of' or 'riding on' a situation. Often used for opportunistic actions.
彼は混乱に便乗して利益を得た。
He profited from the chaos out of expediency.
Opportunism, waiting to see which way the wind blows. Strongly negative, implying a lack of principles.
A short-term fix that is not meant to last, often used in practical or bureaucratic contexts.
First-aid or emergency measure. Used for temporary fixes in medical, technical, or problem-solving contexts.
それは応急処置に過ぎない。
That's just an expedient measure.
Something makeshift or improvised to meet an immediate need. Often used for temporary substitutes.
The English word 'expediency' often carries a negative moral judgment. In Japanese, there is no single word that perfectly matches this nuance. Instead, choose a term based on whether you want to emphasize convenience, opportunism, or a temporary fix.
彼の日和見主義的な態度は批判された。
His expedient attitude was criticized.
間に合わせの道具で修理した。
I repaired it with an expedient tool.