Translation guide
The quality of being smooth, graceful, and able to change easily. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases depending on whether you mean physical flow, adaptability, or graceful movement.
Describing the ability of a substance to flow easily, like water or oil.
The most direct translation for physical fluidity, used in scientific or technical contexts.
この液体は流動性が高い。
This liquid has high fluidity.
Onomatopoeic word describing a smooth, non-sticky flow, often for powders or light liquids.
この粉はサラサラしている。
This powder is smooth and fluid.
Literally 'low viscosity', used in technical descriptions of fluidity.
この溶液は粘度が低く、流れやすい。
This solution has low viscosity and flows easily.
The ability to change smoothly according to circumstances, without rigidity.
Commonly used for mental flexibility or adaptability of systems, similar to 'flexibility'.
彼は考え方に柔軟性がある。
He has fluidity in his thinking.
このシステムには柔軟性が必要だ。
This system needs fluidity.
A four-character idiom meaning unrestricted adaptability, free from obstacles. Literary and somewhat rare.
Describing motion or expression that is flowing, elegant, and without awkwardness.
Often used for graceful, flowing movements in dance, calligraphy, or speech.
彼女のダンスは流麗だ。
Her dance is fluid and graceful.
Smooth, fluid, without bumps or hesitation. Can describe movement, speech, or texture.
Literally 'without stagnation', used for speech or writing that flows smoothly.
彼の淀みないスピーチに感心した。
I was impressed by his fluid speech.
Describing a gender identity that is not fixed.
Loanword from English, commonly used in LGBTQ+ contexts.
彼はジェンダーフルイドを自認している。
They identify as genderfluid.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'gender is fluid'.
性別が流動的な人もいる。
Some people have a fluid gender.
流動性 is for physical fluidity (liquids, gases) or abstract changeability (markets, situations). 柔軟性 is for flexibility of mind, rules, or materials (bendable, not rigid). Use 柔軟性 for personal adaptability.
彼は柔軟性がある。
He is flexible/fluid in thinking.
水の流動性を調べる。
Examine the fluidity of water.
English 'fluidity' covers many concepts. In Japanese, you often need a more specific word. Using 流動性 for a person's movement sounds unnatural; use なめらか or 流麗 instead.
Describes a situation or state that is fluid, changeable, not fixed. Often used for markets, plans, or social structures.
市場は流動的だ。
The market is fluid.
計画はまだ流動的です。
The plan is still fluid.
彼の融通無碍な発想には驚かされる。
I'm amazed by his fluid, unrestricted ideas.
彼の動きはとてもなめらかだ。
His movements are very fluid.
なめらかな話し方ですね。
You have a fluid way of speaking.