tight turn; sharp turn
Refers to the ability to make a small-radius turn, often used for vehicles or in physical movement.
この車は小回りが利くので、狭い道でも安心だ。
This car can make tight turns, so it's reassuring even on narrow roads.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
adaptability; flexibility; maneuverability
Figurative extension of the turning sense; describes a person or organization's ability to handle situations nimbly. Often used in the phrase 小回りが利く.
彼は小回りの利く人物で、急な依頼にもすぐ対応してくれる。
He's a flexible person who can handle sudden requests right away.
小回りの利く組織を作ることが、変化の激しい業界では重要だ。
Building an adaptable organization is crucial in a rapidly changing industry.
Standard kanji spelling; commonly used in both literal and figurative senses.
Kana spelling is sometimes used for clarity or in informal writing.
Compound of 小 (small) and 回り (turning, rotation). Literally 'small turning', it originally described a tight turning radius and later gained the figurative sense of nimble adaptability.