Translation guide
The English word 'adaptation' covers several related ideas: the process of adjusting to new conditions, the result of modifying something for a new purpose, and a version of a work in a different medium. Japanese uses different words for each of these nuances.
The act or process of changing to fit a new environment or situation, often used for living things, people, or systems.
The most common and general term for adaptation as a process of adjusting to surroundings. Used for biological, psychological, and social contexts.
環境への適応には時間がかかる。
Adaptation to the environment takes time.
新しい職場に適応するのは大変だ。
It's tough to adapt to a new workplace.
Emphasizes gradual, often passive adjustment, especially to climate or social norms. Slightly more formal than 適応.
暑さに順応するまで数週間かかった。
It took a few weeks to adapt to the heat.
Refers to 'adaptability' as a skill or capacity. Often used in business or personal development.
彼女は適応力が高い。
She has high adaptability.
A more technical term for 'adaptability', often used in biology or engineering.
この種は環境への適応性が高い。
This species has high adaptability to the environment.
A movie, play, or book that is based on a story from another medium.
Specifically means an adaptation of a story into a different form, like a novel into a film. Often used in literary or dramatic contexts.
この映画は小説の翻案です。
This movie is an adaptation of a novel.
Literally 'making into a movie'. Used when a work is adapted specifically into a film.
Adaptation into a TV drama.
Adaptation into an anime.
このゲームがアニメ化された。
This game was adapted into an anime.
Adaptation for the stage (theater).
A thing that has been changed to suit a different use or function.
Refers to remodeling or modifying something, often a physical object or system, for a new purpose.
この車はオフロード用に改造されている。
This car has been adapted for off-road use.
Alteration or modification, often used for rules, texts, or systems. Can imply a significant change.
Practical application or adaptation of a theory, technique, or idea to a new situation.
A characteristic that helps an organism survive in its environment, developed over generations.
Also used for biological adaptation. Context usually makes the meaning clear.
キリンの長い首は環境への適応の例だ。
The giraffe's long neck is an example of adaptation to the environment.
Technical term for 'adaptive trait'.
この植物の葉の形は乾燥への適応形質だ。
The shape of this plant's leaves is an adaptation to dryness.
適応 is a general term for adaptation, often implying active effort or a broad range of adjustments. 順応 implies a more passive, gradual acclimatization, especially to physical conditions like climate or altitude. In many everyday contexts, 適応 is the safer choice.
When talking about a film or stage adaptation of a book, use 翻案 or specific terms like 映画化. Using 適応 in this context would be unnatural.
その映画は有名な小説の翻案です。
The film is an adaptation of a famous novel.
新しい文化への適応は難しいこともある。
Adaptation to a new culture can be challenging.
The popular manga was adapted into a movie.
The novel will be adapted into a drama next year.
The classic was adapted for the stage.
法律の改変が必要だ。
An adaptation of the law is necessary.
この技術は医療分野に応用できる。
This technology can be adapted for medical use.