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.
このゴムは弾力性が高い。
This rubber has high elasticity.
More technical/scientific term for elasticity, often used in physics and engineering.
この素材の弾性を測定する。
Measure the elasticity of this material.
Emphasizes stretchability and contraction, common for fabrics and clothing.
この生地は伸縮性がある。
This fabric has elasticity (stretch).
Common everyday phrase meaning 'has elasticity/bounce', used for objects like rubber, springs, or even food texture.
このボールは弾力があってよく跳ねる。
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.
彼は考え方に柔軟性がある。
He has elasticity in his thinking.
この規則は柔軟性に欠ける。
This rule lacks elasticity.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to be flexible/adaptable', often used for people or systems that can accommodate exceptions.
彼は融通が利く人だ。
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.
Standard economic term for elasticity, as in price elasticity of demand.
需要の価格弾力性を分析する。
Analyze the price elasticity of demand.
Less common in economics; usually replaced by 弾力性.
The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or deformation.
Focuses on resilience and recovery, often used for emotional or economic bounce-back.
彼女は精神的な回復力がある。
She has emotional elasticity (resilience).
Can be used metaphorically for resilience, but less common than 回復力.
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.
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.