How to say "adaptation" in Japanese

• 適応てきおうJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbAdjusting to new surroundings, conditions or an environment — people settling into a new life, or organisms adapting in biology. It does not cover adapting a story or work.
  この規則きそくはすべてのケースに適応てきおうする。↗

  This rule applies to all cases.
• アレンジCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbA loanword for arranging music, and for adapting a story or recipe with your own touches; it can also mean your interpretation or take on something.
• 順応じゅんのうCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbThis covers adjusting or becoming suited to one's environment or circumstances, much like 適応; its nuance leans toward gradual accommodation or conforming to the conditions.
  若者わかものは変化へんかにたやすく順応じゅんのうする。↗

  The young adapt to change easily.
• 改作かいさくCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbReworking a story — rewriting or altering an existing tale to make a new version of it. Use this when 'adaptation' means changing the story itself.
  その劇げきは小説しょうせつを改作かいさくしたものだ。↗

  The play was adapted from a novel.
• 翻案ほんあんCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbAdapting a novel, play or similar work into another form, such as a film or stage version; the word for a screen or stage adaptation of a book.

適応 and 順応 are for adjusting to an environment or new conditions, 「アレンジ」 for arranging music or adapting a story or recipe in your own style, and 改作 and 翻案 for reworking a story or literary work.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 適応てきおうadaptation
• アレンジarrangement (of music)
• 順応じゅんのうadaptation
• 改作かいさくadaptation (of story)
• 翻案ほんあんadaptation (of a novel, play, etc.)
• 即応そくおうcompliance
• 脚色きゃくしょくdramatization (e.g. of a novel)
• アダプテーションadaptation
• 換骨奪胎かんこつだったいadaptation (of a poem, novel, etc.)
• 同化どうかadaptation
• 応化おうかadaptation