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.
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translation
Translation for the word "variable"
IMO 変数 is not bad even in the context you provided. 変数 in math and programming
contexts can safely hold non-numerical values such as strings, sets and
functions. Still, if you do want to avoid 数, you can also use 変動要因 or パラメーター
at least in that context.

**EDIT:** 不確定要素 is another common phrase that can be used in this context.
[This entry](https://eow.alc.co.jp/search?q=variable) has an example. (And I'd
say it's very common despite its length; rest assured that any native Japanese
adult understands this.)
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可変値 is another translation for “variable” that is used in technical fields and
covers not only numbers but other types of values.

可変要素 may be used in non-technical contexts, though it still sounds somewhat
technical.
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I feel, that both current answers ander their comments together are the best
fit for an answer. As an effort to "accept both", I merged their content here
and made the answer a **Community wiki**. Please feel free to edit and
improve.

@naruto:

> IMO 変数 is not bad even in the context you provided. 変数 in math and
> programming contexts can safely hold non-numerical values such as strings,
> sets and functions. Still, if you do want to avoid 数, you can also use 変動要因
> or パラメーター at least in that context.

> It's hard to imagine someone who doesn't understand 変動要因. If you like to use
> 要素, use 不確定要素 which is a fairly easy word despite its length.

@By137

> I've also run into situations where 変数 isn't understood like "variable" is
> in English outside of math contexts. Using 要因 instead worked for me.

@aguijonazo

> `可変値` is another translation for “variable” that is used in technical fields
> and covers not only numbers but other types of values.
>
> `可変要素` may be used in non-technical contexts, though it still sounds
> somewhat technical.
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