Japanese meaning of 適材適所
Reading:
てきざいてきしょ (tekizai tekisho)
English Translation:
The right person in the right place
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Placing the right person in the right position.
Cultural Context:
Applied in business, sports, and education; considered essential for efficiency and morale in Japanese organizations.
その人の能力に適した場所や役割に配置すること。
ビジネスやスポーツ、教育などで使われ、日本の組織では効率や士気を高めるために重要視される。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “に配置する” or “を選ぶ” to express placing the right person in the right role (“適材適所に配置する”).
• Common in HR, management, and organizational contexts.
Trap for English Speakers
Might be interpreted as just “good matching,” but it stresses optimal assignment based on skill and suitability.
Example
Basic Example
適材適所の人事でプロジェクトがうまく回り始めた。
Assigning the right person to the right position made the project run smoothly.
Applied Example
適材適所の采配で試合を制した。
They won the match through putting the right people in the right positions.