适应

• Pinyin: shì yìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 适 = 辶 (walk) + 啇 (phonetic); 应 = 广 (shelter) + simplified phonetic component

Meaning

To adapt to; to adjust to; to get used to. Describes the process of becoming accustomed to new conditions or environments.

Commonly used when talking about adjusting to new environments, climates, jobs, or lifestyles. Implies a gradual process of becoming comfortable. Often used with 环境 (environment), 生活 (life), or 气候 (climate).

Examples

1. 他很快就适应了新的工作环境。 He quickly adapted to the new work environment.
2. 刚来中国的时候，我不太适应这里的气候。 When I first came to China, I wasn't used to the climate here.
3. 孩子们需要时间来适应新学校的生活。 Children need time to adjust to life at a new school.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, work, study abroad

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你适应这里的生活了吗？(Have you adapted to life here?)
• 我还没有完全适应新环境。(I haven't fully adjusted to the new environment yet.)

Don't Say

• 我已经适应了吃苹果。(Don't use 适应 for simple preferences or habits — use 习惯 instead. 适应 implies adjusting to challenging or unfamiliar conditions.)

Origin & History

适 means 'to go towards' or 'suitable' and 应 means 'to respond' or 'to cope with'. Together they describe the process of adjusting oneself to suit new circumstances.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal