Translation guide
The physical property of returning to original shape after deformation, and its metaphorical extensions to flexibility and resilience.
Describing the ability of a material or object to stretch and return to its original shape.
Standard term for physical elasticity in technical and everyday contexts.
This rubber has high elasticity.
More technical/scientific term for elasticity, often used in physics and engineering.
Measure the elasticity of this material.
Emphasizes stretchability and contraction, common for fabrics and clothing.
This fabric has elasticity (stretch).
Common everyday phrase meaning 'has elasticity/bounce', used for objects like rubber, springs, or even food texture.
This ball has elasticity and bounces well.
Metaphorical use: the ability to adapt, bend without breaking, or accommodate change.
Most common word for metaphorical flexibility/elasticity of mind, rules, or systems.
He has elasticity in his thinking.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to be flexible/adaptable', often used for people or systems that can accommodate exceptions.
He is a person with elasticity (flexibility).
Can also be used metaphorically for flexibility of rules or thinking, though less common than 柔軟性.
In economics, the responsiveness of one variable to changes in another.
The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or deformation.
弾力性 emphasizes the ability to return to original shape after being stretched or compressed, while 柔軟性 emphasizes the ability to bend or adapt without breaking. For physical objects, use 弾力性; for abstract flexibility (thinking, rules), 柔軟性 is more natural.
When describing a person's adaptability, do not directly translate 'elasticity' as 弾力性. Use 柔軟性 or 融通が利く instead. 弾力性 for a person sounds odd and overly physical.
This rule lacks elasticity.
Elasticity of the law is required.
供給の弾性は低い。
The elasticity of supply is low.
The elasticity of the economy is being tested.