suí jī yìng biàn
“To adapt according to the opportunity”
Meaning: To adapt to circumstances; to be flexible; to adjust according to the situation; to improvise as needed
The idiom 随机应变 comes from military strategy and historical records.
It emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adapting to changing circumstances.
The phrase teaches that success often requires adjusting one's approach based on the situation.
It reflects the strategic value of being flexible rather than rigidly following a fixed plan.
随机应变，临机处置。
This idiom is used to describe the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
It emphasizes flexibility and the skill of adjusting one's approach based on the situation.
The idiom is often used to praise adaptability or to encourage being flexible.
Don't confuse this with being inconsistent or unreliable. It specifically refers to the positive ability to adapt and adjust appropriately to changing circumstances, not just changing randomly.
他善于随机应变，能够根据情况调整策略。
Tā shànyú suí jī yìng biàn, nénggòu gēnjù qíngkuàng tiáozhěng cèlüè.
He is good at adapting to circumstances and can adjust his strategy according to the situation.
在商场上，随机应变的能力很重要。
Zài shāngchǎng shàng, suí jī yìng biàn de nénglì hěn zhòngyào.
In business, the ability to adapt to circumstances is very important.
不要死板，要学会随机应变。
Bùyào sǐbǎn, yào xuéhuì suí jī yìng biàn.
Don't be rigid. Learn to adapt to circumstances.
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随机应变 literally means "to adapt according to the opportunity." Figuratively, it means to adapt to circumstances, to be flexible, to adjust according to the situation, or to improvise as needed. It emphasizes the ability to adjust one's approach based on changing circumstances.
Both idioms describe adaptability, but 随机应变 refers to adapting to immediate circumstances or situations (flexibility in response), while 与时俱进 refers to keeping pace with the times (adapting to broader trends). 随机应变 is about situational flexibility, 与时俱进 is about keeping up with trends.
Use 随机应变 when praising adaptability. For example: "他善于随机应变，能够根据情况调整策略" (He is good at adapting to circumstances and can adjust his strategy according to the situation).
Yes, 随机应变 is always positive. It's used to praise the ability to adapt and adjust appropriately to changing circumstances. It emphasizes the value of flexibility.
随机应变 is considered intermediate level. It uses relatively common characters (随 HSK3, 机 HSK3, 应 HSK3, 变 HSK3). The concept is clear and the idiom is commonly used in modern Chinese.
