可 変(かへん)

かへん

noun

variable; adjustable; changeable

1. variable; adjustable; changeable

Capable of being changed or adjusted. Used primarily as a modifier in technical and product description contexts to indicate that something can be varied.

可変(かへん)速度(そくど)のモーター。

A variable-speed motor.

角度(かくど)が可変(かへん)のスタンドを使(つか)っている。

I'm using a stand with an adjustable angle.

この椅子(いす)は高(たか)さが可変(かへん)なので、子供(こども)から大人(おとな)まで使(つか)える。

This chair has adjustable height, so it can be used by both children and adults.

A technical modifier meaning "variable" or "adjustable." Most commonly appears before another noun to describe something that can be changed or modified. Contrasts with 固定(こてい) (fixed).

Common collocations

可変(かへん)速度(そくど): variable speed
可変(かへん)抵抗(ていこう): variable resistor
可変(かへん)長(ちょう): variable length
可変(かへん)翼(つばさ): variable-geometry wing (swing wing)

Similar words

固定(こてい): fixed, stationary — the direct opposite; something that cannot be changed
調節(ちょうせつ)可能(かのう): adjustable — a more explanatory way to say the same thing; more common in everyday speech
変動(へんどう): fluctuation, variation — describes natural or market-driven changes rather than user-adjustable settings

Etymology

可(か) (possible) + 変(へん) (change) — "able to be changed."

Related Words

Antonym: 固定(こてい) (fixed, stationary)

Compare: 変動(へんどう) (fluctuation, variation)

general

Added 2026.4.1 2:14 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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