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.
She has a very flexible body.
This material is flexible and easy to bend.
Implies supple, graceful flexibility, often used for limbs, movements, or materials like leather.
I was captivated by the dancer's flexible movements.
Literally 'easy to bend', used for objects that are physically pliable.
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.
Please respond flexibly.
Idiomatic phrase meaning to be flexible or accommodating, especially in adjusting rules or schedules.
Referring to working hours, location, or conditions that can be adjusted.
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.
He has a flexible mindset.
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.
He has a flexible way of thinking.
He is a flexible person.
Could you be a bit more flexible?
A four-character compound meaning to act flexibly according to the situation. Often used in work settings.
Please deal with it flexibly.
Loanword from English, commonly used in business for flexible work styles or systems.
We introduced a flexible work style.
I would like a flexible work arrangement.