Translation guide
The English word "suitable" describes something that is appropriate, fitting, or right for a particular purpose, person, or situation. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 適切 (tekisetsu), but other words like ふさわしい (fusawashii) and 適当 (tekitou) are used depending on context. This guide covers the main ways to express suitability in Japanese, from general appropriateness to matching specific requirements.
Use when something is right or proper for a given context, often in formal or objective evaluations.
The most direct and common translation for "suitable" in the sense of appropriate, proper, or fitting. Used in both spoken and written Japanese, often in formal contexts.
We are looking for a suitable person for this job.
Please take suitable measures.
Can mean "suitable" or "appropriate," but also commonly means "half-hearted" or "random" in casual speech. Use with caution; in formal writing it retains the positive meaning.
In casual conversation, 適当 often means "irresponsible" or "slapdash." To clearly mean "suitable," use 適切 instead.
Please give a suitable example.
Means "ideal" or "highly suitable." More emphatic than 適切, often used in technical or literary contexts.
This land is highly suitable for grape cultivation.
Use when something matches someone's character, position, or dignity, often with a nuance of being "worthy of."
An i-adjective meaning "suitable" in the sense of being worthy, befitting, or appropriate for a person or occasion. Often used for people, roles, or special events.
He is suitable for the award. / He deserves the award.
Similar to ふさわしい but slightly more literary. Means "well-suited" or "becoming." Often used for appearances or roles.
Use when something satisfies specific criteria, standards, or needs, often in practical or technical contexts.
A suru-verb meaning "to be suitable for" or "to be suited to." Often used in the form 〜に適する to indicate fitness for a purpose.
This land is suitable for agriculture.
A verb meaning "to be suited to" or "to be fit for." Often used for personal suitability or compatibility with a task or role.
A versatile verb meaning "to match," "to fit," or "to suit." Used for compatibility in size, taste, personality, etc.
Use when something is practically useful or convenient for a particular need, often in everyday situations.
A na-adjective meaning "convenient" or "handy." Often used when something is suitable because it makes a task easier.
This app is suitable for travel. / This app is handy for traveling.
A phrase meaning "convenient" or "suitable" in terms of timing or circumstances. Often used for schedules or personal convenience.
Tomorrow would be suitable. / Tomorrow works for me.
適切 (tekisetsu) is the safest and most formal choice for "suitable" in objective contexts. ふさわしい (fusawashii) carries a nuance of worthiness or dignity, often used for people and special occasions. 適当 (tekitou) can mean "suitable" in formal writing, but in casual speech it often means "half-hearted" or "random," so it's best avoided unless you're sure of the context.
While 適当 (tekitou) can mean "suitable" in dictionaries, in everyday conversation it frequently means "irresponsible" or "slapdash." For example, 適当な仕事 (tekitou na shigoto) might be interpreted as "a half-hearted job" rather than "a suitable job." Use 適切 (tekisetsu) to avoid confusion.
This movie is not suitable for children.
Is this dress suitable for the party?
We need to find a suitable location for the event.
Please wear clothing suitable for this occasion.
That dress is suitable for her. / That dress becomes her.
He is suitable for teaching. / He is suited to be a teacher.
This job is suitable for women.
He is not suited for sales.
These shoes are not suitable for my feet. / These shoes don't fit me.
He and I are compatible. / We get along well.