# 随机应变

suí jī yìng biàn

Adapt as circumstances change

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Respond to the occasion and its changes

**Traditional Chinese:** 隨機應變

**Register:** Standard · expressive

[Choices & judgment](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/decisions)

## When to use it

Use for flexible responses to unexpected developments.

Flexibility should preserve the main goal.

## Understanding the expression

The key idea is responding to the situation actually unfolding, rather than mechanically following an earlier plan. A host handles a failed microphone, a guide changes the route when rain begins, or a negotiator adjusts an offer. The expression praises alertness and practical flexibility. It does not require abandoning preparation: a good plan gives someone the knowledge needed to adapt intelligently when conditions change.

## Examples

主持人随机应变，改用手势。

### Traditional Chinese

主持人隨機應變，改用手勢。

zhǔ chí rén suí jī yìng biàn ， gǎi yòng shǒu shì 。

The host adapted by using gestures.

下雨了，导游随机应变，带大家进馆。

### Traditional Chinese

下雨了，導遊隨機應變，帶大家進館。

xià yǔ le ， dǎo yóu suí jī yìng biàn ， dài dà jiā jìn guǎn 。

When it rained, the guide adapted and took everyone into the museum.

面试时要随机应变。

### Traditional Chinese

面試時要隨機應變。

miàn shì shí yào suí jī yìng biàn 。

Adapt to the situation during the interview.

她随机应变，化解了尴尬。

### Traditional Chinese

她隨機應變，化解了尷尬。

tā suí jī yìng biàn ， huà jiě le gān gà 。

She adapted quickly and defused the awkwardness.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E9%9A%A8%E6%A9%9F%E6%87%89%E8%AE%8A)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=719&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [随心所欲 suí xīn suǒ yù Do as one's own wishes suggest ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/sui-xin-suo-yu)

- [贪小失大 tān xiǎo shī dà Lose something important for a minor gain ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/tan-xiao-shi-da)

- [听天由命 tīng tiān yóu mìng Leave the outcome to fate ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ting-tian-you-ming)

- [通权达变 tōng quán dá biàn Apply principles flexibly to changing circumstances ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/tong-quan-da-bian)

## Keep this one close.

Save useful idioms, read offline, and revisit them with flashcards in Almanac.

[View on the App Store ](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6819590452)

[Previous idiom 随波逐流 ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/sui-bo-zhu-liu) [Next idiom 随声附和 ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/sui-sheng-fu-he)