Japanese word

適切

Pronunciation

Romajitekisetsu

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveappropriate

Example

この答えは適切です。ko no kota e wa teki setsu de su

This answer is appropriate.

Illustration for 適切 (appropriate)

More examples

先生は質問に適切に答えました。sen sei wa shitsu mon ni teki setsu ni kota e ma shi ta

The teacher answered the question appropriately.

Core concept

Describes something that fits the situation, purpose, or standard without being out of place.

Common phrases

  • 適切な判断teki setsu na han dan

    appropriate judgment

  • 適切な方法teki setsu na hō hō

    appropriate method

  • 適切に使うteki setsu ni tsuka u

    use appropriately

Similar words

妥当datō: Is reasonable and suitable based on facts, standards, or conditions.
適当tekitō: Fits a situation or purpose in a generally acceptable way.
無難bunan: Avoids serious problems or disagreement and is safe for the situation.

Definition in Japanese

場面や目的にふさわしく、条件や状況によく合っているさま。ba men ya moku teki ni fu sa wa shi ku jō ken ya jō kyō ni yo ku a tte i ru sa ma

Word origin

適切 (tekisetsu) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 適 (teki, "suitable") and 切 (setsu, "close or exact"), giving the sense of fitting a situation precisely.

Usage tips

  • In everyday English, appropriate often describes language, behavior, clothing, or timing that fits a situation, so it is broader than a single correct answer.

Opposites

Related words

  • 適切さtekisetsusaappropriatenessnoun

Word lists with this word