Translation guide
The ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties, using what is available.
Expressing the quality of being able to cope with difficulties and find solutions using available means.
Specifically emphasizing making do with what one has, often in a creative or makeshift way.
To manage with whatever materials are on hand; to make do resourcefully.
あり合わせの材料で何とかして、夕食を作った。
I was resourceful and made dinner with whatever ingredients I had.
機転 emphasizes quick thinking and adaptability in the moment, while 工夫 focuses on creative ingenuity and devising a clever method, often with planning.
臨機応変 is a common and natural way to express resourcefulness in many contexts, especially in business or formal settings. It can be used as a noun or adverbially with に.
He is resourceful, so he can solve any problem.
Acting flexibly according to the situation; adapting to circumstances. Often used as a noun or adverbially with に.
臨機応変に対応してください。
Please handle it resourcefully (adapt to the situation).
To be resourceful; to have quick wits. A common verbal phrase.
彼女は本当に機転が利く人だ。
She is a really resourceful person.
Ingenuity; devising; figuring out a clever way. Often implies creative problem-solving with limited resources.
彼は工夫して、少ない材料で料理を作った。
He was resourceful and made a dish with few ingredients.
Wits; resourcefulness; often implies financial or practical cleverness. Can be used in phrases like 才覚を働かせる (to exercise one's wits).
彼は商売の才覚がある。
He has a resourceful mind for business.
Managing; making ends meet; resourcefully handling a situation, especially with time or money.
彼女は少ない予算でやりくりしている。
She is resourceful with a small budget.