適応

• Reading: てきおう
• Romaji: tekiou
• Kanji breakdown: 適 (teki) — suitable, fit, proper; 応 (ou) — respond, comply
• Pronunciation: /te.ki.oː/

Meaning

Adaptation; the process of adjusting to new conditions, environments, or circumstances.

A noun and suru-verb (適応する) describing the process of fitting into a new environment or situation. Used in biology (species adaptation), psychology (adapting to stress), and everyday life (adjusting to a new job or culture). Related terms include 適応力 (adaptability) and 適応障害 (adjustment disorder). Broader than 順応, which emphasises passive conformity.

Examples

1. 海外生活に適応するまで半年かかった。 It took six months to adapt to life abroad.
2. 子どもは新しい環境への適応が早い。 Children adapt to new environments quickly.
3. 気候変動に適応できない生物は絶滅の危機にある。 Species that can't adapt to climate change are at risk of extinction.

Usage Guide

Context: biology, psychology, daily life, work

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 適 (teki, suitable/fit) + 応 (ou, respond/comply). Literally 'to respond suitably,' describing the act of making oneself fit for a given situation.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal