Translation guide
The English word 'flexibility' can refer to physical suppleness or to mental/attitudinal adaptability. Japanese uses different words for these meanings, and the most natural choice depends on context.
Describing the ability to bend easily without breaking, often used for bodies, limbs, or pliable objects.
The most common and general term for physical flexibility, used for both people and materials.
Yoga improves flexibility.
This material has excellent flexibility.
Literally 'softness', often used in everyday speech to describe physical pliability.
Maintain body flexibility through stretching.
Implies graceful, supple flexibility, often used for limbs, movements, or materials like fabric.
I was impressed by the dancer's supple movements.
Describing the ability to adapt to new situations, consider different ideas, or change plans easily.
Also used metaphorically for mental flexibility. Very common in business and personal contexts.
He has flexibility in his thinking.
Often used in the phrase 融通が利く (be flexible/accommodating). Implies practical adaptability and willingness to bend rules.
Literally 'soft-headed', meaning open-minded or flexible in thinking. Casual.
Describing the ability to adjust times, dates, or plans.
Commonly used for schedule flexibility. Can be used about a person or a system.
My schedule is flexible.
Often used in compounds like 柔軟な対応 (flexible response) or 柔軟なスケジュール (flexible schedule).
Means 'adjustable', often used in business contexts to indicate that something can be changed.
The date and time are flexible.
柔軟性 is a general noun meaning flexibility (physical or mental). 融通 is often used in the phrase 融通が利く and implies practical adaptability, especially in interpersonal or scheduling contexts. 融通 is less about physical flexibility.
Directly translating 'flexibility' as フレキシビリティ is understood but sounds like business jargon. It's better to use native terms like 柔軟性 or 融通 depending on context.
Flexibility is required at work.
彼は融通が利く人だ。
He's a flexible person.
Please be a bit more flexible.
A four-character compound meaning 'adapting to circumstances'. Emphasizes quick, situational flexibility.
Respond flexibly according to the situation.
He's flexible-minded, so he easily accepts new ideas.
柔軟な勤務時間を導入した。
We introduced flexible working hours.