Translation guide
The English word "suitable" describes something that is appropriate, fitting, or right for a particular purpose, person, or situation. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 適切 (tekisetsu), but other words like ふさわしい (fusawashii) and 適当 (tekitou) are used depending on context. This guide covers the main ways to express suitability in Japanese, from general appropriateness to matching specific requirements.
Use when something is right or proper for a given context, often in formal or objective evaluations.
The most direct and common translation for "suitable" in the sense of appropriate, proper, or fitting. Used in both spoken and written Japanese, often in formal contexts.
この仕事に適切な人を探しています。
We are looking for a suitable person for this job.
適切な対応をお願いします。
Please take suitable measures.
Can mean "suitable" or "appropriate," but also commonly means "half-hearted" or "random" in casual speech. Use with caution; in formal writing it retains the positive meaning.
In casual conversation, 適当 often means "irresponsible" or "slapdash." To clearly mean "suitable," use 適切 instead.
適当な例を挙げてください。
Please give a suitable example.
Means "ideal" or "highly suitable." More emphatic than 適切, often used in technical or literary contexts.
この土地はブドウ栽培に好適だ。
This land is highly suitable for grape cultivation.
Use when something matches someone's character, position, or dignity, often with a nuance of being "worthy of."
An i-adjective meaning "suitable" in the sense of being worthy, befitting, or appropriate for a person or occasion. Often used for people, roles, or special events.
彼はその賞にふさわしい。
He is suitable for the award. / He deserves the award.
この場にふさわしい服装をしてください。
Please wear clothing suitable for this occasion.
Use when something satisfies specific criteria, standards, or needs, often in practical or technical contexts.
A suru-verb meaning "to be suitable for" or "to be suited to." Often used in the form 〜に適する to indicate fitness for a purpose.
この土地は農業に適している。
This land is suitable for agriculture.
彼は教師に適している。
He is suitable for teaching. / He is suited to be a teacher.
A verb meaning "to be suited to" or "to be fit for." Often used for personal suitability or compatibility with a task or role.
この仕事は女性に向いている。
This job is suitable for women.
A versatile verb meaning "to match," "to fit," or "to suit." Used for compatibility in size, taste, personality, etc.
この靴は私の足に合わない。
These shoes are not suitable for my feet. / These shoes don't fit me.
Use when something is practically useful or convenient for a particular need, often in everyday situations.
A na-adjective meaning "convenient" or "handy." Often used when something is suitable because it makes a task easier.
このアプリは旅行に便利だ。
This app is suitable for travel. / This app is handy for traveling.
A phrase meaning "convenient" or "suitable" in terms of timing or circumstances. Often used for schedules or personal convenience.
明日なら都合がいいです。
Tomorrow would be suitable. / Tomorrow works for me.
適切 (tekisetsu) is the safest and most formal choice for "suitable" in objective contexts. ふさわしい (fusawashii) carries a nuance of worthiness or dignity, often used for people and special occasions. 適当 (tekitou) can mean "suitable" in formal writing, but in casual speech it often means "half-hearted" or "random," so it's best avoided unless you're sure of the context.
While 適当 (tekitou) can mean "suitable" in dictionaries, in everyday conversation it frequently means "irresponsible" or "slapdash." For example, 適当な仕事 (tekitou na shigoto) might be interpreted as "a half-hearted job" rather than "a suitable job." Use 適切 (tekisetsu) to avoid confusion.
この映画は子供に適していません。
This movie is not suitable for children.
このドレスはパーティーにふさわしいですか？
Is this dress suitable for the party?
イベントに適した場所を見つける必要があります。
We need to find a suitable location for the event.
Similar to ふさわしい but slightly more literary. Means "well-suited" or "becoming." Often used for appearances or roles.
彼女にはそのドレスが似つかわしい。
That dress is suitable for her. / That dress becomes her.
彼は営業に向いていない。
He is not suited for sales.
彼とは気が合う。
He and I are compatible. / We get along well.