Is there any real translation for the word "variable" meaning the general concept of "a changing something" ?
Edit: Similar words are "parameters", "elements", "requirements".
Example / Context:
- "There are too many variables to find the perfect location for the movies": time, distance, habit, preference,...
- "What are you going to do today?", "The answer to this question has too many variables."
- (programming in general)
Problem with "変数"
In general the word "variable" is translated as "変数". However, this is a wrong translation in many cases, as the Japanese literally means "variable number". This might make sense in calculus (not math), where this translation probably stems from, but it does not represent the actual meaning of variable.
Edit: Background
I use the word "variable" fairly often in English, so I need an understandable equivalent. "変数" works in Math and Advanced programming, but not in everyday parlance. Among other problems I encountered people wondering why I am suddenly talking about numbers.
Edit: Towards the solution (from the comments)
- パラメーター is difficult, as it's not Japanese
- 変動要因 seems a little difficult to understand, but
- 要因 sounds like a very good fit for everyday parlance.