Translation guide
Describes something or someone that is easily bent, flexible, or adaptable. Can refer to physical materials, rules, or people who are easily influenced.
Describing materials or objects that can bend easily without breaking.
Describes something supple and gracefully flexible, like a willow branch or a dancer's body. Often has a positive connotation.
この革はとてもしなやかだ。
This leather is very pliant.
Literally 'soft and flexible'. Used for materials, but also metaphorically for attitudes or policies.
柔軟な素材でできている。
It's made of a pliant material.
A straightforward compound meaning 'easy to bend'. More literal and less elegant than しなやか.
この針金は曲げやすい。
This wire is pliant.
Describing a person who is easily persuaded, obedient, or yielding to others' will.
Means obedient, docile, or submissive. Often used for a person who follows orders without resistance.
彼は上司に従順だ。
He is pliant to his boss.
A noun meaning 'doing whatever someone says'. Often used in the phrase 言いなりになる (to be at someone's beck and call).
A natural phrase meaning 'listens well to what people say', implying a pliant nature.
あの子は親の言うことをよく聞く。
That child is pliant to their parents.
Describing rules, plans, or mindsets that can be adjusted easily.
Also used metaphorically for flexible thinking or adaptable policies.
柔軟な対応が求められる。
A pliant response is required.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to be flexible/accommodating'. Used for people or systems that can adapt to circumstances.
この規則は融通が利かない。
This rule is not pliant.
Direct translations like 曲げやすい人 (bendable person) sound unnatural. Use 従順 or 言いなり for a pliant person.
彼女は彼の言いなりだ。
She is pliant to his wishes.