How to say "suitable" in Japanese

• 適当てきとうJLPT N4approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounCovers 'suitable; appropriate; adequate' in sense, but in everyday speech it frequently suggests doing something casually or halfheartedly, as in a suitable but unremarkable answer, so it is often not the word you want for genuine suitability.
  ＩＮＦ社しゃの誰だれか最もっとも適当てきとうな人ひとを教おしえてください。↗

  Can you please let me know the most suitable person in INF Co., Ltd?
• 適切てきせつJLPT N3approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounFor 'suitable' in the sense of apt, fitting, and well-judged, as with appropriate words, measures, or responses to a situation. It carries a nuance of accuracy and good judgment rather than mere adequacy.
  「行いった」というのが適切てきせつな言葉ことばだ。↗

  "Performed" is the right word.
• 相応そうおうJLPT N1approx.Common
  na-adjective, no-adjective, suru verb, intransitive verbFor 'suitable' meaning befitting or becoming, typically what matches a person's status, ability, age, or position. Something fitting one's rank or worth is described this way, and it often appears in formal contexts.
  収入しゅうにゅう相応そうおうの暮くらしをしなさい。↗

  Try to live within your means.
• 適宜てきぎJLPT N1approx.Common
  na-adjective, no-adjectiveMainly adverbial: do something as suitable or as circumstances require, adjusting at your own discretion, as when seasoning or scheduling as appropriate. It is seldom the word you want as a plain adjective meaning 'suitable'.
• ふさわしいJLPT N1approx.Common
  i-adjectiveFor 'suitable' meaning appropriate and fitting, especially for people, occasions, or things that deserve what they get, as with a fitting remark, reward, or match. Usually written in kana alone.
  君きみにふさわしいはずはないのだから。↗

  He couldn't be good for you.

Use 「ふさわしい」 for people or occasions that befit something, 適切 for apt and precise choices, 相応 for what matches status or worth, 適宜 for acting as circumstances require, and remember 適当 often means careless or 'whatever'.

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

• 適当てきとうsuitable
• 適切てきせつappropriate
• 相応そうおうsuitable
• 適宜てきぎsuitable
• ふさわしいappropriate
• 適正てきせいreasonable
• 似合いにあいwell-matched (esp. of a couple)
• 似つかわしいにつかわしいsuitable
• 適任てきにんcompetent
• 似合わしいにあわしいwell-matched
• 適度てきどmoderate (degree)
• 適したてきしたadequate (for)
• それ相応それそうおうappropriate
• お似合いおにあいwell-matched (esp. of a couple)
• 思わしいおもわしいsatisfactory
• 好適こうてきideal
• しかるべきproper
• 相当そうとうappropriate
• 手ごろてごろsuitable
• 格好かっこうsuitable