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B1 adjective #1,800 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

ふさわしい

fusawashii Top 1,800

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces ふさわしい en 30 secondes

Explication ふさわしい in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to understand basic adjectives like big, small, good, and bad. The concept of 'ふさわしい' (fusawashii) is generally too advanced for this stage, as it deals with abstract social appropriateness rather than concrete physical descriptions. However, if introduced, it can be simplified to mean 'good for' or 'matches well'. A beginner might understand it as a more complex version of 'いい' (ii - good) when talking about clothes or jobs. For example, they might learn the phrase 'いい服' (good clothes) first, and later be introduced to 'ふさわしい服' (appropriate clothes) as a set phrase. The focus at this level is merely recognizing the word when spoken by a teacher or native speaker, rather than actively producing it. Teachers might use it in simple classroom instructions, such as pointing out behavior that is 'ふさわしくない' (not good/appropriate), helping the learner associate the sound with the concept of matching expectations. Mastery of conjugation is not expected here.

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At the A2 level, learners start to engage with more specific vocabulary related to daily life, shopping, and basic social interactions. They might encounter 'ふさわしい' in the context of choosing gifts, clothes, or making simple judgments. They learn that it is an i-adjective and can practice basic conjugations like 'ふさわしいです' (it is appropriate) and 'ふさわしくないです' (it is not appropriate). They begin to understand the critical grammar point of using the particle 'に' (ni) to connect the target noun, such as 'パーティーにふさわしい' (appropriate for a party). While they might still prefer simpler words like 'いい' (good) or '合う' (to fit/match), they can comprehend 'ふさわしい' in reading passages or listening exercises about social etiquette. The nuance of 'inherent worthiness' is still developing, but the practical application of 'matching a situation' becomes clearer. They can use it in simple, structured sentences to express basic opinions on suitability.

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The B1 level is where 'ふさわしい' truly belongs and becomes an active part of the learner's vocabulary. At this intermediate stage, learners are expected to express opinions, give reasons, and navigate various social situations. They fully grasp the nuance that 'ふさわしい' implies social appropriateness, worthiness, and a natural fit for a role or occasion. They confidently use structures like '〜にふさわしい〜' (a [noun] suitable for [target]) in both spoken and written Japanese. They can distinguish it from similar words like '適切な' (tekisetsuna) and 'ぴったり' (pittari), understanding when to use the more formal or subjective term. They use it to discuss topics like career choices ('社長にふさわしい' - suitable for president), fashion etiquette ('結婚式にふさわしい服装' - clothes appropriate for a wedding), and behavior ('学生にふさわしくない態度' - attitude inappropriate for a student). Mastery at this level involves using the word to demonstrate cultural awareness and the ability to 'read the room' (空気を読む) in Japanese society.

At the B2 level, learners use 'ふさわしい' with high fluency and precision in a wide range of complex and abstract contexts. They are comfortable using it in professional environments, academic discussions, and formal writing. They understand its subtle connotations and can use it to make sophisticated arguments or evaluations. For instance, they might debate whether a specific economic policy is '現代社会にふさわしい' (appropriate for modern society) or critique a piece of literature by saying the ending was '名作にふさわしい' (worthy of a masterpiece). They effortlessly employ adverbial forms like 'ふさわしく振る舞う' (to behave appropriately) and integrate the word into complex sentence structures with multiple clauses. At this stage, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for expressing deep cultural understanding and nuanced judgment, reflecting a near-native grasp of Japanese social dynamics and expectations.

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At the C1 level, learners possess an advanced, intuitive command of 'ふさわしい'. They use it seamlessly in highly formal, academic, or literary contexts, recognizing its kanji form '相応しい' in complex texts. They can manipulate the word for rhetorical effect, using it in speeches, formal presentations, or persuasive essays to appeal to shared cultural values of harmony and appropriateness. They understand historical or idiomatic usages and can contrast it perfectly with highly specific synonyms like '妥当' (datou), '適格' (tekikaku), or '好適' (kouteki). They might use it in expressions like 'その名にふさわしい' (living up to its name/worthy of the name) to add dramatic or poetic flair to their speech. Their use of the word reflects a deep internalization of Japanese aesthetics and social hierarchy, allowing them to navigate the most delicate social situations with linguistic grace and precision.

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At the C2 level, the learner's use of 'ふさわしい' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. They have absolute mastery over its nuances, collocations, and register. They can play with the word's meaning in creative writing, poetry, or high-level philosophical discourse. They understand the etymological roots of the kanji '相応しい' (mutual response/accord) and can use this understanding to interpret classical or highly stylized texts. They can employ it in the most subtle forms of irony or understatement, perhaps using 'ふさわしくない' to deliver a devastating but polite critique in a boardroom setting. At this pinnacle of proficiency, the word is fully integrated into their linguistic identity, allowing them to express the most profound and culturally embedded concepts of suitability, destiny, and natural order in the Japanese language.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

ふさわしい en 30 secondes

Means suitable, appropriate, or fitting.
Always pairs with the particle に (ni).
Used for roles, occasions, and behaviors.
Negative form is ふさわしくない (fusawashikunai).

The Japanese adjective ふさわしい (fusawashii) is a highly nuanced and essential word in the Japanese language, generally translating to suitable, appropriate, fitting, or worthy of. It is primarily used to describe a situation where a person, object, action, or condition perfectly matches the requirements, expectations, or status of a particular role, occasion, or environment. Understanding how to use this word correctly is a major milestone for learners aiming for the B1 CEFR level and beyond, as it touches upon the core Japanese cultural concepts of harmony, social appropriateness, and reading the atmosphere. When you say something is ふさわしい, you are not just saying it is functionally correct; you are implying that it possesses the inherent qualities that make it the ideal match for the context. For instance, when choosing an outfit for a formal wedding, you would look for clothing that is 場にふさわしい (appropriate for the occasion). If a person is chosen to lead a team, they are considered リーダーにふさわしい (suitable for a leader). This word carries a sense of natural alignment and balance. It is often written in hiragana, though its kanji form is 相応しい. The kanji 相 (mutual/together) and 応 (respond/accept) beautifully illustrate the word's underlying meaning: two things mutually responding to and fitting each other perfectly. In daily conversation, you will frequently hear it used in negative forms as well, such as ふさわしくない (not appropriate), to gently but firmly indicate that a behavior or choice does not align with expected standards. Mastering this adjective allows you to express complex social judgments and aesthetic evaluations with native-like precision.

Core Meaning: To be naturally suited or appropriate for a specific role, status, or situation.

彼は社長にふさわしい人材だ。

Nuance: Implies a deep, almost inherent compatibility rather than just a temporary fix.

その場にふさわしい服装を選ぶ。

Formality: Can be used in both casual and highly formal contexts.

子供にふさわしい番組。

学生にふさわしい態度。

プロにふさわしい仕事ぶり。

Using ふさわしい correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical structure and the contexts in which it thrives. As an i-adjective, it follows all the standard conjugation rules of Japanese adjectives. The present affirmative is ふさわしい (fusawashii), the present negative is ふさわしくない (fusawashikunai), the past affirmative is ふさわしかった (fusawashikatta), and the past negative is ふさわしくなかった (fusawashikunakatta). The most critical grammatical point to remember is the use of the particle に (ni). You must use [Noun] + に + ふさわしい to express that something is suitable FOR that noun. For example, 年齢にふさわしい (nenrei ni fusawashii) means suitable for one's age. When modifying a noun, it simply precedes the noun directly: ふさわしい服装 (fusawashii fukusou - appropriate clothing). When used as the predicate of a sentence, it comes at the end: その態度は学生にふさわしくない (sono taido wa gakusei ni fusawashikunai - that attitude is not appropriate for a student). Furthermore, you can use it in adverbial form by changing the final 'i' to 'ku': ふさわしく振る舞う (fusawashiku furumau - to behave appropriately). This flexibility makes it an incredibly powerful tool in your vocabulary arsenal. It is also worth noting that while it can be used for physical objects (like a frame suitable for a picture), it is overwhelmingly used for abstract concepts: behavior, clothing, remarks, candidates, and roles. This abstract usage is what elevates it to a B1 level word. It requires the speaker to make a judgment call about social norms, expectations, and appropriateness. When you use this word, you are demonstrating your cultural fluency and your ability to navigate the complex web of Japanese social expectations.

Grammar Structure: [Target] + に + ふさわしい + [Noun]

結婚式にふさわしいドレス。

Negative Form: ふさわしくない (fusawashikunai)

その言葉はふさわしくない。

Adverbial Form: ふさわしく (fusawashiku)

王にふさわしく振る舞う。

季節にふさわしい料理。

タイトルにふさわしい内容。

You will encounter ふさわしい in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from everyday casual conversations to highly formal business environments, news broadcasts, and literature. In the workplace, it is a staple of professional feedback and human resources discussions. Managers might discuss whether a candidate is 役職にふさわしい (suitable for the position) or if an employee's behavior is 社会人にふさわしい (appropriate for a working adult). In the realm of fashion and etiquette, magazines and lifestyle blogs frequently use the term to advise readers on TPO (Time, Place, Occasion). You will see articles titled 'パーティーにふさわしいメイク' (Makeup suitable for a party) or '面接にふさわしい髪型' (Hairstyles appropriate for an interview). In news and politics, commentators often debate whether a politician's remarks were 首相にふさわしい (worthy of a Prime Minister) or if a proposed policy is 時代にふさわしい (appropriate for the times). Furthermore, in educational settings, teachers and parents use it to guide children's behavior, suggesting books that are 年齢にふさわしい (age-appropriate) or scolding actions that are 学生にふさわしくない (inappropriate for a student). The word also appears frequently in reviews and critiques, such as describing a soundtrack as 映画の雰囲気にふさわしい (fitting for the movie's atmosphere). Because it deals with appropriateness and societal standards, it is a word that naturally permeates any discussion about behavior, aesthetics, qualifications, and cultural norms in Japan.

Business Context: Used for evaluating candidates and professional behavior.

彼はリーダーにふさわしい。

Fashion & Etiquette: Used to describe TPO (Time, Place, Occasion) compliance.

フォーマルな場にふさわしい服。

Media & Reviews: Used to judge artistic cohesion.

名作にふさわしい結末。

新時代にふさわしいデザイン。

王者にふさわしい試合。

When learning ふさわしい, students often make a few predictable errors, primarily related to particle usage and confusing it with similar words. The most common mistake is using the particle の (no) instead of に (ni). Because English speakers think 'appropriate FOR the occasion', they sometimes try to link nouns directly or use incorrect particles. Remember: it is ALWAYS [Noun] + に + ふさわしい. Saying 場のふさわしい is grammatically incorrect; it must be 場にふさわしい. Another frequent error is using ふさわしい to describe simple factual correctness. For example, if you are looking for the correct answer to a math problem, you would not say ふさわしい答え (fusawashii kotae); you would say 正しい答え (tadashii kotae - correct answer). ふさわしい implies a qualitative judgment about suitability, not a binary true/false correctness. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse it with 適切な (tekisetsuna), which means appropriate or adequate but has a more objective, clinical, or formal tone. While you can often use them interchangeably, ふさわしい carries a warmer, more inherent sense of 'belonging' or 'worthiness'. For instance, a candidate might be 適切 (adequate/qualified) for a job based on their resume, but if they also have the perfect personality and passion, they are truly ふさわしい (worthy/perfectly suited). Finally, be careful with the negative conjugation. Since it is an i-adjective, the negative is ふさわしくない, not ふさわしいじゃない.

Particle Error: Using の instead of に.

❌ 場のふさわしい服。

Meaning Error: Using it for factual correctness.

❌ 数学のふさわしい答え。

Conjugation Error: Incorrect negative form.

❌ ふさわしいじゃない。

✅ ふさわしくない。

✅ 場にふさわしい。

Japanese has several words that translate to 'appropriate' or 'suitable', and distinguishing between them is key to fluency.

適切な (Tekisetsuna): This is a na-adjective meaning appropriate, adequate, or proper. It is more objective and formal than ふさわしい. It focuses on whether something meets the necessary conditions or rules. For example, 適切な処置 (appropriate medical treatment) sounds professional, whereas ふさわしい処置 would sound a bit poetic or emotional.

ぴったり (Pittari): This is an adverb/suru-verb meaning exact, perfect match, or tightly. It is much more casual and often refers to physical fit or a very intuitive match. サイズがぴったり (the size is a perfect fit). While you can say この仕事は彼にぴったりだ (this job is perfect for him), using ふさわしい elevates the tone to sound more respectful and evaluating of his inherent worth.

妥当な (Datouna): Meaning valid, proper, or reasonable. This is used when judging if a decision, price, or argument makes logical sense. 妥当な価格 (a reasonable price). It lacks the aesthetic or moral 'worthiness' implied by ふさわしい.

適切な対応 (Appropriate response - objective)

ぴったりな服 (Perfectly fitting clothes - casual/physical)

妥当な判断 (Reasonable judgment - logical)

王にふさわしい (Worthy of a king - inherent suitability)

場にふさわしい (Appropriate for the occasion - social norm)

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective conjugation (〜くない, 〜かった)

Particle に for target/purpose

Adverbial form (〜く + verb)

Nominalization (〜のは)

〜として (as a...)

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Exemples par niveau

これはいい服です。

This is good clothing. (Pre-cursor to fusawashii)

Uses いい (good) instead of ふさわしい for simplicity.

その服はパーティーにふさわしいです。

Those clothes are appropriate for the party.

Basic introduction of にふさわしい.

彼はいい先生です。

He is a good teacher.

Simple adjective use.

この靴は山にふさわしいです。

These shoes are suitable for the mountain.

Noun + に + ふさわしい.

それはふさわしくないです。

That is not appropriate.

Basic negative form.

ふさわしいかばんを買います。

I will buy a suitable bag.

Modifying a noun directly.

この色は春にふさわしいです。

This color is suitable for spring.

Expressing seasonal suitability.

ふさわしいプレゼントを選びます。

I will choose an appropriate present.

Using with verbs like choose (選ぶ).

面接にふさわしい服を着てください。

Please wear clothes appropriate for an interview.

Using te-form request with the adjective.

子供にふさわしい本を探しています。

I am looking for a book suitable for children.

Modifying a noun object.

その言葉は、この場にふさわしくない。

Those words are not appropriate for this place.

Negative form in casual speech.

彼はリーダーにふさわしい人だと思います。

I think he is a person suitable for a leader.

Used with 'I think' (と思います).

冬にふさわしい暖かい料理を作りました。

I made a warm dish suitable for winter.

Multiple adjectives modifying a noun.

お祝いにふさわしいレストランを予約しました。

I reserved a restaurant suitable for a celebration.

Connecting purpose with に.

学生にふさわしい髪型にしてください。

Please make it a hairstyle appropriate for a student.

Using にする (to decide on/make it).

この部屋は会議にふさわしい広さです。

This room has a size suitable for a meeting.

Modifying a noun derived from an adjective (広さ).

彼の態度は社会人としてふさわしくない。

His attitude is not appropriate for a working adult.

Using として (as) for roles.

TPOにふさわしい服装を心がけましょう。

Let's keep in mind clothing appropriate for the Time, Place, and Occasion.

Common collocation with TPO.

彼女は次期社長に最もふさわしい人物だ。

She is the most suitable person for the next president.

Using 最も (most) for emphasis.

その映画は「名作」という言葉にふさわしい。

That movie is worthy of the word 'masterpiece'.

Using という言葉に (worthy of the word).

年齢にふさわしい言葉遣いを学ぶべきだ。

You should learn language usage appropriate for your age.

Using べきだ (should).

プロとしてふさわしく振る舞うことが求められる。

You are required to behave appropriately as a professional.

Adverbial use: ふさわしく + verb.

このデザインは新しいブランドロゴにふさわしい。

This design is suitable for the new brand logo.

Evaluating abstract concepts.

場にふさわしい話題を選ぶのは難しい。

It is difficult to choose a topic appropriate for the occasion.

Nominalizing the clause with のは.

彼の功績は、ノーベル賞にふさわしいと評価されている。

His achievements are evaluated as worthy of a Nobel Prize.

Passive voice 評価されている.

環境保護を謳う企業にふさわしい、持続可能な製品開発が必要です。

Sustainable product development appropriate for a company that advocates environmental protection is necessary.

Modifying a complex noun phrase.

その発言は、一国の首相として到底ふさわしいものではない。

That remark is absolutely not appropriate for a prime minister of a nation.

Using 到底〜ない (absolutely not).

歴史あるホテルにふさわしい、格式高いサービスを提供いたします。

We provide highly prestigious service suitable for a historic hotel.

Formal business language (謙譲語).

状況にふさわしく柔軟に対応できる人材が求められている。

Human resources who can respond flexibly and appropriately to the situation are sought after.

Combining adverbs: ふさわしく柔軟に.

彼女の気品ある振る舞いは、まさに女王の名にふさわしい。

Her elegant behavior is truly worthy of the name of a queen.

Using まさに (truly/exactly).

現代の多様な働き方にふさわしい制度を導入するべきだ。

We should introduce a system suitable for modern diverse working styles.

Discussing societal systems.

予算の規模にふさわしい計画を立てなければならない。

We must make a plan appropriate for the scale of the budget.

Using なければならない (must).

この荘厳な建築は、神を祀る場として誠に相応しい。

This majestic architecture is truly fitting as a place to enshrine a deity.

Using kanji 相応しい and formal vocabulary (荘厳, 祀る).

彼の経歴と見識を鑑みれば、この重責を担うに相応しい人物であることは疑いようがない。

Considering his background and insight, there is no doubt that he is a person suitable to bear this heavy responsibility.

Complex grammar: 鑑みれば (considering), 疑いようがない (no doubt).

時代遅れの規則は、革新を是とする我が社の理念に最早ふさわしくない。

Outdated rules are no longer appropriate for our company's philosophy, which values innovation.

Using 最早 (no longer) and 是とする (to consider right).

その栄誉ある賞は、長年業界に貢献してきた彼女にこそふさわしい。

That honorable award is suitable precisely for her, who has contributed to the industry for many years.

Using こそ for strong emphasis.

悲劇のヒロインにふさわしい、哀愁を帯びた旋律が劇場に響き渡った。

A sorrowful melody, fitting for a tragic heroine, echoed through the theater.

Literary description (哀愁を帯びた).

国家の威信をかけたプロジェクトにふさわしい、万全の体制を構築せよ。

Construct a flawless system appropriate for a project on which the nation's prestige is staked.

Imperative form (せよ) in a formal context.

彼が発した皮肉は、知的な議論の場には到底ふさわしからぬものであった。

The sarcasm he uttered was utterly inappropriate for a place of intellectual discussion.

Classical negative form ふさわしからぬ.

自然の摂理に相応しく、無理のない生き方を模索したい。

I want to explore a natural way of living that is in accordance with the laws of nature.

Philosophical context (自然の摂理).

その深遠な哲学は、晩年の彼の境地にこそ相応しいものであった。

That profound philosophy was truly fitting for his state of mind in his later years.

Highly literary vocabulary (深遠, 境地).

事の顛末を鑑みるに、彼に対する処罰は如何にも相応しいと言わざるを得ない。

Considering the full account of the matter, one cannot help but say the punishment given to him is entirely appropriate.

Classical/formal phrasing (事の顛末, 如何にも, 言わざるを得ない).

絢爛豪華な衣装は、権力の絶頂にある王の威光を示すに相応しい意匠であった。

The gorgeous and luxurious costumes were of a design suitable to show the majesty of a king at the zenith of his power.

Descriptive literary style (絢爛豪華, 威光, 意匠).

そのような軽薄な言動は、一門を背負って立つ者として相応しからざる振る舞いである。

Such frivolous speech and conduct is behavior unbecoming of one who stands bearing the burden of the clan.

Classical negative attributive (相応しからざる).

静寂に包まれた枯山水は、己の内面と向き合う場としてこれ以上なく相応しい。

The dry landscape garden enveloped in silence is the most fitting place possible to face one's inner self.

Using これ以上なく (more than anything/most).

激動の時代を生き抜いた彼女の顔に刻まれた皺は、その数奇な運命に相応しい凄みがあった。

The wrinkles carved into the face of her who survived turbulent times had an intensity fitting for that bizarre destiny.

Poetic and dramatic narrative.

天の配剤とも言うべき、両者の出会いはまさに歴史の必然に相応しい出来事であった。

Their meeting, which could be called a dispensation of heaven, was an event truly fitting for the inevitability of history.

Advanced idioms (天の配剤).

彼の遺作となったその絵画は、天才の終焉を飾るに相応しい、狂気と美の結晶であった。

That painting, which became his posthumous work, was a crystallization of madness and beauty, fitting to adorn the demise of a genius.

Artistic critique vocabulary (遺作, 終焉を飾る).

Collocations courantes

場にふさわしい

年齢にふさわしい

リーダーにふさわしい

TPOにふさわしい

名にふさわしい

ふさわしい服装

ふさわしい態度

ふさわしい言葉

ふさわしい人物

ふさわしく振る舞う

Phrases Courantes

その場にふさわしい

〜の名にふさわしい

〜としてふさわしい

〜にふさわしくない

ふさわしいかどうか

ふさわしい対応

ふさわしい処置

ふさわしい時期

ふさわしい環境

ふさわしい評価

Souvent confondu avec

ふさわしい vs 適切な

ふさわしい vs 正しい

ふさわしい vs ぴったり

Expressions idiomatiques

"身の丈にふさわしい"

"名実にふさわしい"

"分にふさわしい"

"時宜にふさわしい"

"大任にふさわしい"

"王者にふさわしい"

"看板にふさわしい"

"器にふさわしい"

"格式にふさわしい"

"立場にふさわしい"

Facile à confondre

ふさわしい vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

note

Do not use for simple factual correctness (e.g., correct answer to a math problem).

Erreurs courantes

Using の instead of に (e.g., 場のふさわしい instead of 場にふさわしい).
Using it to mean 'factually correct' (e.g., ふさわしい答え instead of 正しい答え).
Conjugating it incorrectly as a na-adjective (e.g., ふさわしいな服 instead of ふさわしい服).
Using the wrong negative form (e.g., ふさわしいじゃない instead of ふさわしくない).
Using it for simple physical size matching (e.g., サイズがふさわしい instead of サイズがぴったり).

Astuces

Always use に

The golden rule for this word is to use the particle に (ni) for the target. Never use の (no). Memorize the chunk '〜にふさわしい'.

Perfect for Business

Use this word in job interviews or performance reviews. Saying 'I want to become a person suitable for this company' (この会社にふさわしい人間になりたい) sounds very professional.

Roles and Status

This word shines when talking about roles (leader, student, professional). It evaluates if someone is living up to the expectations of that role.

Reading the Air

Understanding what is 'ふさわしい' is key to 'reading the air' (空気を読む) in Japan. It shows you understand social harmony.

Learn the Kanji

Even if you write it in hiragana, learn to recognize 相応しい. The kanji 相 (mutual) and 応 (respond) help you remember the meaning of 'matching'.

Adverbial Magic

Elevate your speaking by using the adverb form: ふさわしく (fusawashiku). 'Act appropriately' is 'ふさわしく行動する'.

Catch the Negative

Listen carefully for ふさわしくない in anime or dramas. It's often the word used right before a character gets scolded for bad behavior.

Avoid for Facts

When writing essays, don't use it for factual correctness. Use 適切 (tekisetsu) or 正しい (tadashii) for facts, and ふさわしい for suitability.

TPO is your friend

Memorize the phrase 'TPOにふさわしい'. It is a native-level phrase that you can use in almost any discussion about fashion or etiquette.

Not just 'fitting'

Remember it's not just about physical fit (like shoes). It's about aesthetic, social, or moral fit. Use ぴったり for physical fit.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Who saw a she (fusawashi) wearing such an APPROPRIATE dress?

Origine du mot

Derived from the classical verb ふさう (fusau), meaning to match or be in proportion. The kanji 相応しい uses 相 (mutual) and 応 (respond).

Contexte culturel

Carries a sense of inherent worthiness or aesthetic harmony, not just factual correctness.

Standard to Formal

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"結婚式にふさわしい服装ってどんなのですか？"

"リーダーにふさわしい人って、どんな人だと思いますか？"

"このプレゼント、彼にふさわしいかな？"

"学生にふさわしいアルバイトは何でしょうか？"

"その言葉はちょっと場にふさわしくないかも。"

Sujets d'écriture

What makes someone 'ふさわしい' for a leadership role?

Describe an outfit that is 'ふさわしい' for a job interview in your country.

Write about a time you felt your behavior was 'ふさわしくない'.

What kind of environment is 'ふさわしい' for studying?

How does the concept of 'ふさわしい' differ between your culture and Japan?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, but it usually implies a qualitative or aesthetic judgment rather than just physical size. For example, you can say 'a frame suitable for a painting' (絵にふさわしい額縁). However, if you just mean a shirt fits your body size perfectly, 'ぴったり' (pittari) is better. ふさわしい is more about matching an occasion or status.

適切な (tekisetsuna) is more objective, formal, and clinical. It means 'adequate' or 'proper' according to rules or conditions. ふさわしい is more subjective and carries a sense of inherent worthiness, harmony, or aesthetic fit. A treatment is 適切, but a king's crown is ふさわしい.

Because you are using the wrong particle. In English, we say 'appropriate FOR the occasion', so learners often try to link nouns with 'no' (の). In Japanese, the target of suitability must be marked with 'ni' (に). It must always be 場にふさわしい.

It is most commonly written in hiragana (ふさわしい) in everyday texts, emails, and casual writing. The kanji form (相応しい) is used in formal documents, literature, and academic writing. It is good to recognize the kanji but safe to write it in hiragana.

Like all i-adjectives, you change the final 'i' (い) to 'ku' (く). So, ふさわしい becomes ふさわしく. You can then use it before a verb. For example, 'ふさわしく振る舞う' (fusawashiku furumau) means 'to behave appropriately'.

Absolutely. It is very common to use it to describe someone who is perfectly suited for a job, role, or title. For example, '彼は社長にふさわしい' (He is suitable for the president). It is a strong compliment regarding their character and abilities.

TPO stands for Time, Place, and Occasion. It is a very common concept in Japan regarding etiquette and fashion. 'TPOにふさわしい' means that your clothing, behavior, or speech is appropriate for the specific time, place, and occasion you are in.

It can be, depending on the context. Saying someone's behavior is 'ふさわしくない' (inappropriate) is a direct criticism. However, because it focuses on the *behavior* not matching the *role*, it is often used in professional or educational settings as a formal way to scold someone without using crude language.

Not always. 正しい means factually or morally correct (like a correct answer on a test). ふさわしい means suitable or appropriate. Wearing a Hawaiian shirt to a funeral isn't 'incorrect' like a math problem, but it is definitely 'ふさわしくない' (inappropriate).

You can use the phrase 'ふさわしいですか？' (Is it appropriate?). If you want to ask 'What is appropriate?', you can say '何がふさわしいですか？'. A very natural way to ask if your clothes are okay is 'この服、この場にふさわしいかな？' (I wonder if these clothes are appropriate for this occasion?).

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