臨機応変(りんきおうへん)

りんきおうへん
na-adjective, noun
adaptable, flexible
1. adaptable, flexible, playing by ear
Responding appropriately to circumstances as they arise, adapting to situations.
臨機応変(りんきおうへん)に対応(たいおう)してください。
Please respond flexibly to the situation.
彼(かれ)は臨機応変(りんきおうへん)な人(ひと)だ。
He is an adaptable person.
計画(けいかく)はあるが、臨機応変(りんきおうへん)に変更(へんこう)する。
There's a plan, but we'll adjust it as needed.

A 四字熟語(よじじゅくご) (four-character idiom) meaning to adapt flexibly to changing circumstances.

ETYMOLOGY:
臨機(りんき) (facing the occasion) + 応変(おうへん) (responding to change)

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 臨機応変(りんきおうへん)に対応(たいおう)する: to respond flexibly
  • 臨機応変(りんきおうへん)な対応(たいおう): a flexible response
  • 臨機応変(りんきおうへん)に行動(こうどう)する: to act adaptively

FORMS:

  • Na-adjective: 臨機応変(りんきおうへん)な人(ひと) (an adaptable person)
  • Adverbial: 臨機応変(りんきおうへん)に (flexibly, as the situation demands)

USAGE:
Highly valued in Japanese business culture. Often appears in job interviews, performance reviews, and leadership discussions. Carries a positive connotation of quick thinking and good judgment under pressure.

Related Words

Related: 融通(ゆうずう) (flexibility, adaptability)
general
Added 2026.1.16 17:36 · Revised 2026.4.14 20:19
05500/05663_rinkiouhen