Translation guide
How to express that something is suitable, appropriate, or a good fit for a purpose, person, or situation in Japanese.
This book is suitable for children.
He is suited to be a teacher.
Expressing that something is suitable or appropriate for a purpose, person, or situation in a general sense.
The most common and versatile way to say something is suitable. Often used in the pattern ～に適している.
This book is suitable for children.
This land is suitable for farming.
Very common in spoken Japanese. Implies a good match or natural fit, often for people's traits or preferences. Used in the pattern ～に向いている.
He is suited to be a teacher.
Means 'appropriate' or 'worthy' and often carries a nuance of social propriety or dignity. Used for people, behavior, or things that befit a certain status or occasion.
Means 'appropriate' or 'proper', often used in formal or written contexts. Emphasizes correctness and suitability for a specific situation.
Please take appropriate measures.
Emphasizing that something is designed or well-suited for a particular function or task.
Talking about whether a person is suited for a role, job, or relationship based on personality or skills.
The dictionary form of 向いている. Often used in negative or potential forms to discuss personal fit.
Using more formal or literary terms for suitability, often in official documents or academic writing.
Both mean 'suitable', but 適している is more objective and often used for things or conditions, while 向いている is more subjective and commonly used for personal aptitudes and preferences.
This climate is suitable for rice farming.
この仕事は私に向いていない。
This job isn't suitable for me.
He is worthy of the award.
Please wear clothing suitable for this occasion.
This expression is not appropriate.
A slightly more formal or written version of 適している. Often used in technical descriptions.
This material is suitable for outdoor use.
Means 'optimal' or 'most suitable'. Used when something is the best possible fit.
This software is optimal for your needs.
私は人前に立つ仕事は向かない。
Jobs where I have to stand in front of people don't suit me.
Means 'to match' or 'to suit'. Very common for clothes, food, or general compatibility. Pattern: ～に合っている.
These clothes suit me.
This job suits my personality.
Please recommend a suitable candidate.
Means 'valid', 'reasonable', or 'appropriate'. Often used in logical or argumentative contexts.
That conclusion is valid/suitable.
彼は営業に向いている。
He is suited for sales.
While 適当 can mean 'suitable' in formal writing, in everyday speech it often means 'half-hearted' or 'careless'. To avoid confusion, use 適切 or ふさわしい for 'appropriate' in most situations.