verb HSK 4
Traditional 適應
shì yìng
to adapt · to adjust · to get used to

Meaning

适应 means to adjust or adapt oneself to new circumstances, environments, or conditions. It describes the process of becoming comfortable or functional in a changed situation, whether it's a new job, climate, culture, or lifestyle.

Usage

Commonly used when discussing adjustment to new environments, changes in life circumstances, or getting accustomed to different conditions. Often followed by objects like 环境 (environment), 生活 (life), 工作 (work), or 气候 (climate). Can describe both quick and gradual adaptation processes.

Examples

  1. 01
    我花了三个月才适应这里的气候。
    huā le sān yuè cái shì yìng zhè de hòu.
    It took me three months to adapt to the climate here.
  2. 02
    孩子们很快就适应了新学校的生活。
    Hái zi men hěn kuài jiù shì yìng le xīn xué xiào de shēng huó.
    The children quickly adapted to life at the new school.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 适应环境
    shì yìng huán jìng
    to adapt to the environment
  • 适应能力
    shì yìng néng
    adaptability, ability to adapt
  • 适应社会
    shì yìng shè huì
    to adapt to society
  • 逐渐适应
    zhú jiàn shì yìng
    to gradually adapt

Antonyms

Origin

The word combines 适 (suitable/fitting) and 应 (to respond), literally meaning 'to respond suitably' or 'to make oneself suitable in response to conditions.'

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