Meaning and Usage
"変動" (へんどう) refers to changes or fluctuations, often in numerical values or conditions such as prices, rates, or temperatures. It is a noun commonly used in formal or business contexts.
Common Contexts
You will often see "変動" used with financial terms like "株価の変動" (stock price fluctuations) or "為替レートの変動" (exchange rate fluctuations). It also applies to natural phenomena like "気温の変動" (temperature changes).
Collocations and Patterns
- 変動する: to fluctuate or change
- 変動幅: range or extent of fluctuation
- 変動率: rate of change
These collocations are useful when discussing data or trends.
Register and Nuance
"変動" is neutral to formal and is appropriate in business, academic, or news contexts. It is less common in casual conversation where simpler words like "変わる" might be used.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "変動" with "変化" (change). "変動" emphasizes fluctuation or variability, often in measurable quantities, while "変化" is a broader term for change.