Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Suitable" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "suitable", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
適当な
てきとうな (tekitouna)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
相応
そうおう (souou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "suitable" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 適当な and 相応.
In Japanese, 適当な (てきとうな (tekitouna)) is typically associated with "suitable, appropriate; (colloquial) irresponsible, careless, vague" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Na-adjective. Has two major meanings: 1) appropriate/suitable.
On the other hand, 相応 (そうおう (souou)) maps to "suitable, appropriate, befitting, proportionate" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used to describe something that is a good match or is commensurate with another thing, such as quality, price, effort, or status. Can be used as a noun, an adjective. A literal translation of "suitable" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "適当な"
この仕事には彼が適当な人材だ。
He is the suitable person for this job.
Bilingual Context for "相応"
彼の努力に相応の報酬が与えられた。
He was given a reward commensurate with his efforts.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この仕事には彼が ＿＿＿ 人材だ。" (Meaning: "He is the suitable person for this job.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "適当な" fits here because it means "suitable, appropriate; (colloquial) irresponsible, careless, vague" in the context of: "He is the suitable person for this job.". "相応" represents "suitable, appropriate, befitting, proportionate".