Translation guide
The English verb 'adapt' covers several related ideas: adjusting to new conditions, modifying something for a different purpose, and reworking a story into another medium. Japanese uses different verbs and expressions for each nuance.
To become accustomed to a new environment, situation, or way of doing things.
The most common and natural way to say 'get used to' or 'adapt to' a situation. Often used with the particle に.
新しい環境に慣れるのに時間がかかった。
It took time to adapt to the new environment.
彼はすぐに日本の生活に慣れた。
He quickly adapted to life in Japan.
A more formal term for 'adapt,' often used in biological, psychological, or technical contexts. Implies a systematic adjustment.
生物は環境に適応する能力を持っている。
Living organisms have the ability to adapt to their environment.
彼は新しい職場にうまく適応できなかった。
He couldn't adapt well to the new workplace.
Similar to 適応する but often implies a more passive or gradual adjustment, sometimes used for acclimatization.
体が高地に順応するまで数日かかる。
It takes a few days for the body to adapt to high altitude.
To change something so that it can be used in a new way or for a new purpose.
To remodel, refit, or modify something physically or structurally for a new use. Often used for machines, buildings, etc.
倉庫をオフィスに改造した。
We adapted the warehouse into an office.
この車は障害者用に改造されている。
This car has been adapted for use by people with disabilities.
To apply a method, idea, or technology to a different field or purpose. Focuses on practical application rather than physical modification.
この技術は医療分野にも応用できる。
This technology can be adapted for medical use as well.
To divert or repurpose something for a different use, often without major physical changes.
使わなくなった家具を収納に転用した。
I adapted unused furniture for storage.
To change a book, play, etc. so that it can be presented as a film, TV show, or other form.
To dramatize or adapt a story for film, theater, or television. The standard term for screen/stage adaptation.
その小説は映画に脚色された。
The novel was adapted into a movie.
彼は自分の体験を舞台用に脚色した。
He adapted his experiences for the stage.
To adapt a work while changing the setting, style, or details, often more loosely than 脚色. Can imply a creative reinterpretation.
シェイクスピアの戯曲を現代風に翻案した。
They adapted a Shakespeare play into a modern setting.
Specifically means 'to make into a movie.' Very common in entertainment news.
人気漫画が映画化されることになった。
The popular manga is going to be adapted into a film.
慣れる is the everyday word for getting used to something through experience. 適応する is more formal and implies a conscious or systematic adjustment, often used in scientific or business contexts. For daily conversation about adapting to a new school or job, 慣れる is preferred.
新しい学校に慣れた？
Have you gotten used to the new school?
会社の文化に適応する必要がある。
You need to adapt to the company culture.
The loanword アダプトする exists but is rarely used outside very specific technical contexts (e.g., biology, computing). For most meanings, use the Japanese verbs listed above.