方ほう便べん

noun

means; expedient; instrument

General term for a method or tool used to achieve a goal, often with a pragmatic or strategic nuance. Can imply a temporary or clever measure.

• 彼かれは目もく的てきのためには方ほう便べんを選えらばない。

  He will use any means to achieve his goal.

• それは単たんなる方ほう便べんに過すぎない。

  That's nothing more than an expedient.

noun

upaya; skillful means

Buddhist term for a teaching method adapted to the listener's capacity, often translated as 'skillful means' or 'expedient means'.

• 仏ぶっ教きょうでは、方ほう便べんは悟さとりへ導みちびくための巧たくみな教おしえ方かたを指さす。

  In Buddhism, upaya refers to a skillful method of teaching that leads to enlightenment.