How to say "adapt" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 当てはめるあてはめるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers adapting something by fitting or applying it to a case or situation, like applying a rule or template to new circumstances. It is about matching something to a context rather than altering it.
- suru verbA loanword meaning simply to adapt. It is less common and mostly a transliteration of the English, so it is seldom the word you want in ordinary Japanese sentences.
- 書き改めるかきあらためるichidan verb, transitive verbUsed for adapting a written work, such as a novel, by rewriting it. This is the choice when 'adapt' means revising or reworking text for a new use.
- 作り変えるつくりかえるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers adapting in the sense of remaking or converting something, changing its structure or form. It suits physical objects or works that are rebuilt into a different version.
- ichidan verb, transitive verbMeans making a person or thing get used to an environment, or making someone fit in. Use it when 'adapt' is transitive, about helping someone or something acclimatize.
For adapting a text use 「書き改める」 or 「作り変える」, for applying something to a situation 「当てはめる」, for helping a person or thing adjust 「なじませる」; 「アダプト」 is a rare loanword transliteration and rarely the word you want.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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