Meaning and Usage
"適応" (てきおう) refers to the process of adapting or adjusting to new conditions, environments, or situations. It is often used in contexts involving biological evolution, psychological adjustment, or social/environmental changes.
Common Contexts
You will frequently encounter "適応" in scientific discussions about organisms adapting to their habitats, as well as in psychology when describing how people adjust to stress or new circumstances.
Collocations and Patterns
- 適応する: to adapt or adjust
- 環境への適応: adaptation to the environment
- 適応障害: adjustment disorder (a psychological condition)
Register and Nuance
"適応" is a formal noun often used in academic, medical, or technical contexts. In everyday conversation, simpler words like "慣れる" (to get used to) might be more common.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "適応" with "対応" (たいおう), which means "to respond" or "deal with." "適応" emphasizes internal adjustment or change, while "対応" focuses on external response or handling a situation.