Translation guide
The English word "flexible" can refer to physical flexibility, adaptability in plans or thinking, and flexible working arrangements. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing a person's body, limbs, or a material that bends easily without breaking.
The most common word for physical flexibility, used for bodies, materials, and also metaphorically for flexible thinking.
彼女は体がとても柔軟だ。
She has a very flexible body.
この素材は柔軟で、曲げやすい。
This material is flexible and easy to bend.
Implies supple, graceful flexibility, often used for limbs, movements, or materials like leather.
ダンサーのしなやかな動きに魅了された。
I was captivated by the dancer's flexible movements.
Literally 'easy to bend', used for objects that are physically pliable.
このワイヤーは曲げやすい。
This wire is flexible.
Willing or able to change according to circumstances; not rigid.
Also used for mental flexibility and adaptable systems. Very common in business contexts.
柔軟な対応をお願いします。
Please respond flexibly.
彼は考え方が柔軟だ。
He has a flexible way of thinking.
Idiomatic phrase meaning to be flexible or accommodating, especially in adjusting rules or schedules.
彼は融通が利く人だ。
He is a flexible person.
もう少し融通を利かせてくれませんか。
Could you be a bit more flexible?
Referring to working hours, location, or conditions that can be adjusted.
Standard term for flexible working hours, often used in office environments.
当社はフレックスタイム制を採用しています。
Our company uses a flexible time system.
Formal phrase for flexible work arrangements, including remote work or adjustable hours.
柔軟な勤務体系を希望します。
I would like a flexible work arrangement.
柔軟 is a general adjective for flexibility, while 融通が利く specifically implies a person's willingness to bend rules or accommodate requests. Use 融通が利く when praising someone's adaptable attitude.
彼は柔軟な考え方を持っている。
He has a flexible mindset.
上司が融通を利かせてくれた。
My boss was flexible with me.
The loanword フレキシブル is mainly used for abstract concepts like work styles or systems. For physical flexibility, use 柔軟 or しなやか.
A four-character compound meaning to act flexibly according to the situation. Often used in work settings.
臨機応変に対応してください。
Please deal with it flexibly.
Loanword from English, commonly used in business for flexible work styles or systems.
フレキシブルな働き方を導入した。
We introduced a flexible work style.