Translation guide
The practice of taking advantage of situations for personal gain, often without regard for principles or consequences. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through words that emphasize exploiting chances, self-interest, or situational ethics.
Describing a person or action that takes advantage of any opportunity for self-benefit, often with a negative connotation.
Literally 'wait-and-see-ism', this is the most direct translation for opportunism as a political or personal stance of adapting to circumstances for advantage.
I'm fed up with his opportunistic attitude.
Means 'convenience-ism', implying acting according to what is convenient for oneself at the moment, often used in criticism.
That's an opportunistic argument.
Direct loanword from English, used mainly in political or academic contexts.
He was criticized for opportunism.
Focusing on the act of taking advantage of a particular situation, often with a verb or phrase.
Neutral phrase meaning 'to take advantage of an opportunity'. Can be used positively or negatively depending on context.
He took advantage of the opportunity amid the chaos.
Idiom meaning 'to take advantage of someone's weakness', often in business or negotiation.
Verb meaning 'to take advantage of' or 'to exploit' a situation or person's vulnerability.
Describing a person who habitually acts out of opportunism.
An opportunist; someone who adopts a wait-and-see approach to align with the winning side.
He's an opportunist, so I can't trust him.
Literally 'weathercock', metaphor for a person who changes opinions or loyalties based on which way the wind blows.
日和見主義 implies a strategic, often political, stance of waiting to see which side will win before committing. ご都合主義 is more about personal convenience and selfishly changing principles to suit one's immediate needs.
Directly translating 'opportunism' as 機会主義 is not common and may not be understood. Stick to the established terms above.
He acted opportunistically, exploiting our weakness.
Don't act opportunistically by exploiting people's goodwill.
That guy is an opportunist.