1.
conveniently; fortunately; by good timing
Things working out in a way that happens to suit the situation or the person. Can be genuinely positive.
都合よく席が空いていた。
Conveniently, a seat was open.
都合よく雨が止んだ。
Luckily, the rain stopped.
天気予報が外れて、都合よく晴れてくれた。
The weather forecast was wrong, and fortunately it cleared up for us.
2.
self-servingly; in a way that suits one's own interests
Interpreting or arranging things to serve one's own convenience or advantage. Carries a critical nuance, suggesting someone is being selectively convenient.
都合よく解釈するな。
Don't interpret things to suit yourself.
自分に都合よく話を変えている。
You're changing the story to suit yourself.
そんなに都合よく物事は進まない。
Things don't go that conveniently.
The adverbial form of 都合がいい (convenient, favorable). In sense 1, it describes fortunate timing or circumstances. In sense 2, it implies someone is being self-serving or naively optimistic. Context and tone determine which nuance is intended.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 都合よく解釈する: to interpret self-servingly
- 自分に都合よく: to suit oneself
- 都合よく忘れる: to conveniently forget
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 好都合に: conveniently — more formal; emphasizes favorable circumstances
- 折よく: opportunely, at a good time — emphasizes timing
- 幸い: fortunately — a broader term for general good luck