Meaning
Suitable, fit, appropriate, match — used in words like suitable, adaptation, and comfortable.
- 適当 — suitable, appropriate
- 適応 — adaptation, compliance
- 快適 — comfortable
- 適切 — appropriate, proper
- 適性 — aptitude
- 不適 — unsuitable
The left part of 適 includes 舌 (tongue), and the right radical 辶 represents movement. Together, they suggest “moving toward a suitable direction” or “matching what fits.” It's used both literally and metaphorically for fit, comfort, and suitability.
この靴は 私に 適しています。
These shoes are a good fit for me.
彼は 新しい 環境に 適応できる 能力があります。
He has the ability to adapt to new environments.
The on-yomi テキ is commonly used in compound words. The kun-yomi かなう is rare and mainly found in older or poetic usage.