適切
てきせつ·tekisetsu
Meaning
appropriate; suitable; proper
Nuance & Usage
適切 means something is fitting and correct for a given situation. It has a slightly formal tone and is commonly used in business, academic, and official contexts. 適切な対応 (tekisetsu na taiou) means 'appropriate response.' 適切な判断 (tekisetsu na handan) means 'proper judgment.' Unlike 相応しい (fusawashii — befitting/worthy), which has a more literary feel, 適切 is straightforward and analytical.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 適切 with 適当 (tekitou). While both can mean 'appropriate,' 適当 has an additional casual meaning of 'half-hearted' or 'random,' which 適切 never has. If you want to clearly say 'appropriate' without ambiguity, use 適切. Also, 適切 is a na-adjective: 適切な + noun, 適切に + verb (adverbial form).
Example Sentences (3)
適切な言葉を選んで話すことが大切だ。
てきせつなことばをえらんではなすことがたいせつだ。
It is important to choose appropriate words when speaking.
お客様に適切な対応をお願いします。
おきゃくさまにてきせつなたいおうをおねがいします。
Please provide an appropriate response to the customer.
問題が起きたら、適切に対処しなければならない。
もんだいがおきたら、てきせつにたいしょしなければならない。
When problems arise, you must deal with them appropriately.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N24 questionsTest your knowledge of 適切 with 4 different question types.
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