Translation guide
The quality of being changeable or subject to change. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases depending on context, such as philosophical discussions, everyday descriptions, or technical terms.
Describing something that can change or is prone to change in a general sense.
A formal term meaning 'variability' or 'changeability'. Used in technical or academic contexts.
このシステムの可変性が高い。
This system has high mutability.
A more colloquial noun meaning 'easiness to change' or 'changeability'. Suitable for everyday conversation.
天気の変わりやすさには驚く。
I'm surprised by the mutability of the weather.
Literally 'fluidity', often used metaphorically for situations or opinions that are changeable.
世論の流動性が高い。
Public opinion has high mutability.
Referring to the concept that all things are transient and subject to change, often in a philosophical or poetic sense.
A Buddhist term meaning 'impermanence' or 'transience'. It captures the idea that everything changes and nothing lasts forever.
諸行無常の響きあり。
There is an echo of the mutability of all things.
A literary word meaning 'vicissitudes' or 'constant change'. Used in formal writing.
Describing that rules, laws, or plans can be changed or are not fixed.
Means 'changeable' or 'modifiable'. Commonly used for schedules, rules, or settings.
予約は変更可能ですか？
Is the reservation mutable?
A slightly formal way to say 'can change' or 'subject to change'. Often used in written contexts.
計画は状況によって変わりうる。
The plan is mutable depending on the situation.
A prefix or adjective meaning 'variable' or 'changeable'. Used in technical compounds like 可変抵抗 (variable resistor).
Describing a person whose character, mood, or opinions change easily.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'whimsical' or 'capricious'. Describes someone whose actions or moods change unpredictably.
彼は気まぐれな性格だ。
He has a mutable personality.
An idiom meaning 'quick to change one's attitude or opinion'. Often used critically.
政治家は変わり身が早い。
Politicians show mutability in their stances.
A noun meaning 'fickleness' or 'changeability', especially in affections or interests.
可変性 (kahensei) is a technical term for changeability, often used in science or engineering. 無常 (mujou) is a philosophical/religious term for impermanence, deeply rooted in Buddhist thought. Use 可変性 for concrete, measurable changeability and 無常 for abstract, existential transience.
この素材の可変性をテストする。
Test the mutability of this material.
無常を感じる。
Feel the mutability of existence.
Directly translating 'mutability' as 可変性 in everyday conversation may sound overly technical. In casual contexts, use phrases like 変わりやすい (kawariyasui) or 変わる可能性がある (kawaru kanousei ga aru) instead.
彼の意見は変わりやすい。
His opinions are mutable.
A set phrase meaning 'all worldly things are transient'. Often used in literature or discussions of Buddhist philosophy.
諸行無常は仏教の基本的な教えだ。
The mutability of all things is a fundamental teaching of Buddhism.
人生の変転を思う。
I ponder the mutability of life.
This parameter is mutable.
彼女の移り気には困ったものだ。
Her mutability in interests is troublesome.