Translation guide
The English word 'expedient' can be an adjective meaning 'convenient and practical, though possibly improper or immoral' or a noun meaning 'a means to an end, often a temporary or makeshift solution.' This guide helps learners express these nuances naturally in Japanese.
Describing an action or method that is useful for achieving a goal, but may not be morally right or ideal.
He chose an expedient solution.
Means 'makeshift' or 'stopgap,' emphasizing a temporary fix rather than a proper solution. Often used when the expedient action is clearly not ideal.
An expedient response won't solve the problem.
Literally 'self-serving' or 'convenience-oriented.' Carries a strong negative connotation of acting purely out of self-interest without regard for principles.
I'm fed up with his expedient attitude.
Means 'makeshift' or 'temporary,' similar to その場しのぎ but slightly more neutral. Focuses on the idea of something being used because it's available, not because it's the best.
I repaired it with expedient tools.
Means 'convenient' or 'favorable.' Lacks the negative moral nuance; simply indicates something is opportune. Use only when the context is purely about convenience without impropriety.
It's an expedient arrangement for us.
Referring to a method or resource used to achieve a goal, often with the implication that it is not the best or most principled approach.
A Buddhist term meaning 'expedient means,' often used in the phrase 嘘も方便 (lies can be expedient). It implies a pragmatic, sometimes morally flexible, method to achieve a greater good.
Sometimes a lie is expedient.
General word for 'means' or 'method.' Neutral; use when the expedient nature is clear from context or modifiers like 一時的な (temporary).
A temporary measure or stopgap. Emphasizes the short-term nature of the solution.
Means 'plan' or 'scheme.' Often used in compounds like 苦肉の策 (a desperate measure) or 次善の策 (the next best plan), which carry an expedient nuance.
Literally 'convenient method,' a direct translation of 'expedient.' Somewhat formal and less common in everyday speech.
Direct translations like '便宜的' for the adjective or '便法' for the noun can sound unnatural or overly formal. Use context-appropriate alternatives like その場しのぎ or 方便.
English 'expedient' often implies a moral compromise, while 'convenient' does not. In Japanese, 便利 (convenient) lacks this negative nuance. To convey the negative aspect, use phrases like ご都合主義 or その場しのぎ.
彼は目的のためには手段を選ばない。
He will use any expedient to achieve his goal.
It's merely an expedient.
It was an expedient born of desperation.
それは一時的な便法に過ぎない。
It's just a temporary expedient.