Translation guide
The English word 'expedient' can be an adjective meaning 'convenient and practical, though possibly improper or immoral' or a noun meaning 'a means to an end, often a temporary or makeshift solution.' This guide helps learners express these nuances naturally in Japanese.
Describing an action or method that is useful for achieving a goal, but may not be morally right or ideal.
Directly means 'expedient' in the sense of being convenient or practical, often with a slight negative nuance of being a temporary or self-serving measure.
彼は便宜的な解決策を選んだ。
He chose an expedient solution.
Means 'makeshift' or 'stopgap,' emphasizing a temporary fix rather than a proper solution. Often used when the expedient action is clearly not ideal.
Referring to a method or resource used to achieve a goal, often with the implication that it is not the best or most principled approach.
Direct translations like '便宜的' for the adjective or '便法' for the noun can sound unnatural or overly formal. Use context-appropriate alternatives like その場しのぎ or 方便.
English 'expedient' often implies a moral compromise, while 'convenient' does not. In Japanese, 便利 (convenient) lacks this negative nuance. To convey the negative aspect, use phrases like ご都合主義 or その場しのぎ.
An expedient response won't solve the problem.
Literally 'self-serving' or 'convenience-oriented.' Carries a strong negative connotation of acting purely out of self-interest without regard for principles.
彼のご都合主義の態度にはうんざりだ。
I'm fed up with his expedient attitude.
Means 'makeshift' or 'temporary,' similar to その場しのぎ but slightly more neutral. Focuses on the idea of something being used because it's available, not because it's the best.
間に合わせの道具で修理した。
I repaired it with expedient tools.
Means 'convenient' or 'favorable.' Lacks the negative moral nuance; simply indicates something is opportune. Use only when the context is purely about convenience without impropriety.
それは我々にとって好都合な取り決めだ。
It's an expedient arrangement for us.
A Buddhist term meaning 'expedient means,' often used in the phrase 嘘も方便 (lies can be expedient). It implies a pragmatic, sometimes morally flexible, method to achieve a greater good.
時には嘘も方便だ。
Sometimes a lie is expedient.
General word for 'means' or 'method.' Neutral; use when the expedient nature is clear from context or modifiers like 一時的な (temporary).
彼は目的のためには手段を選ばない。
He will use any expedient to achieve his goal.
A temporary measure or stopgap. Emphasizes the short-term nature of the solution.
それは単なる一時しのぎに過ぎない。
It's merely an expedient.
Means 'plan' or 'scheme.' Often used in compounds like 苦肉の策 (a desperate measure) or 次善の策 (the next best plan), which carry an expedient nuance.
それは苦肉の策だった。
It was an expedient born of desperation.
Literally 'convenient method,' a direct translation of 'expedient.' Somewhat formal and less common in everyday speech.
それは一時的な便法に過ぎない。
It's just a temporary expedient.