対処する
taisho suru
To cope in Japanese is expressed as 対処する (taisho suru). Wiktionary also lists 処理する (shori suru).
Meaning: to deal effectively with something (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 対処する | taisho suru |
| 処理する | shori suru |
The verb is used to describe dealing effectively with something. For instance, you can say ストレスに対処する to mean 'dealing with stress' or 困難を乗り切る to mean 'managing difficulties'.
Which one should you use?
対処する focuses on dealing with or responding to a situation or problem. In contrast, 処理する is used more for processing data, handling tasks or managing a specific procedure.
How do you pronounce it?
taisho suru
Did you know?
- The word 処理 in 処理する is used for both 'processing' data and 'disposing' of trash or corpses in a forensic context.
- The kanji 対 in 対処する also means 'opposite' or 'pair'. It suggests that coping is an act of facing something head-on as an opposing force.
- In a social context, if you are 'coping' with a difficult person, you might use あしらう, which carries a nuance of 'treating someone lightly' or 'brushing them off'.
Examples in context
- 激しい嵐に対処する準備をしておくべきだ。We have to be prepared to cope with violent storms.This sentence shows how to use 対処する regarding being prepared for storms.Tatoeba #175967 by KK_kaku_, translation #238498 by CM
- 彼は困難な事態に対処することが出来ない。He can't cope with difficult situations.This sentence shows how to use 対処する regarding an inability to cope with difficult situations.Tatoeba #74548 by fcbond, translation #329171 by fcbond
- 彼女は大きな問題を乗り切る力を持っている。She has the ability to cope with big problems.
- 急なトラブルに対処する。kyuuna toraburu ni taisho suru.To deal with a sudden trouble.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are discussing a problem at work.
- 結衣 Yuiこの問題にどう対処する？kono mondai ni dou taisho suru?How will you deal with this problem?
- 蓮 Renまずは冷静に対処するよ。mazu wa reisei ni taisho suru yo.I will deal with it calmly first.
- 結衣 Yui蓮君なら大丈夫だね。ren-kun nara daijoubu da ne.You will be fine, Ren.
- 蓮 Renありがとう、頑張るよ。arigatou, ganbaru yo.Thanks, I'll do my best.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cope” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
