Translation guide
A person who changes their opinions or loyalties to align with those in power, often for personal gain. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through words describing opportunism, sycophancy, and unprincipled behavior.
Describing someone who adapts their beliefs to match the current authority or majority for personal advantage.
He's a timeserver, always jumping on the bandwagon.
Literally 'weathercock', a metaphorical term for someone who changes their stance according to the prevailing wind of opinion.
That politician is a timeserver.
Someone who acts according to their own convenience, often changing principles to suit the situation.
She's a timeserver, so I can't trust her.
A formal, somewhat literary term for someone who toadies to the powerful, derived from the concept of 'serving the great'.
He was criticized as a timeserver.
Emphasizing the aspect of insincere praise or servile behavior toward superiors.
Colloquial term for a sycophant or bootlicker, often used in workplace contexts.
He got promoted by being a timeserver to his boss.
Originally a professional entertainer who flattered guests, now used for a sycophant or yes-man.
A formal term for a flatterer or sycophant.
Focusing on the lack of integrity and willingness to switch allegiances.
The English word 'timeserver' has no single exact equivalent in Japanese. Using a literal translation like 時間サーバー would be meaningless. Instead, choose a term based on the specific nuance: opportunism (日和見主義者), sycophancy (ごますり), or lack of principles (節操のない人).
Both mean 'opportunist', but 風見鶏 (weathercock) is more metaphorical and colloquial, often used in political contexts. 日和見主義者 is a more formal, analytical term.
He's the president's timeserver.
追従者に囲まれて、彼は傲慢になった。
Surrounded by timeservers, he became arrogant.
He's known as a timeserver.