Japanese meaning of 臨機応変
Reading:
りんきおうへん (rinki ouhen)
English Translation:
Play it by ear / Go with the flow
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
The capacity to adapt quickly and appropriately to changing conditions, situations, or environments, showing flexibility and resourcefulness.
Cultural Context:
Commonly used in business, sports, and daily conversation to praise flexibility in adapting to changing circumstances.
周囲の状況や環境の変化に素早く気づき、最適な対応や判断ができる柔軟さ。どんな状況でも臨機応変に行動できる能力を指します。
ビジネス、スポーツ、日常会話で状況への柔軟な対応を褒めるときによく使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Adverbial usage with “に対応する” or “に行動する.”
Trap for English Speakers
English learners may overuse “play it by ear” in formal writing, where “respond flexibly” would be more appropriate.
Example
Basic Example
状況に応じて臨機応変に対応する。
Respond by playing it by ear.
Applied Example
「予定通りじゃなくてもいい、臨機応変に動け！」
It doesn’t have to go as planned. Play it by ear!