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.
ヨガをすると柔軟性が高まります。
Yoga improves flexibility.
この素材は柔軟性に優れている。
This material has excellent flexibility.
Literally 'softness', often used in everyday speech to describe physical pliability.
ストレッチで体の柔らかさを保つ。
Maintain body flexibility through stretching.
Implies graceful, supple flexibility, often used for limbs, movements, or materials like fabric.
ダンサーのしなやかな動きに感動した。
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.
彼は考え方に柔軟性がある。
He has flexibility in his thinking.
仕事では柔軟性が求められる。
Flexibility is required at work.
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.
彼は頭が柔らかいから、新しいアイデアを受け入れやすい。
He's flexible-minded, so he easily accepts new ideas.
Describing the ability to adjust times, dates, or plans.
Commonly used for schedule flexibility. Can be used about a person or a system.
スケジュールは融通が利きます。
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).
柔軟な勤務時間を導入した。
We introduced flexible working hours.
Means 'adjustable', often used in business contexts to indicate that something can be changed.
日時は調整可能です。
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.
彼は融通が利く人だ。
He's a flexible person.
もう少し融通を利かせてください。
Please be a bit more flexible.
A four-character compound meaning 'adapting to circumstances'. Emphasizes quick, situational flexibility.
臨機応変に対応する。
Respond flexibly according to the situation.