Japanese word

柔軟

Pronunciation

Romajijūnan

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveflexible

Example

柔軟な考え方が大切です。jū nan na kanga e kata ga tai setsu de su

A flexible way of thinking is important.

Illustration for 柔軟 (flexible)

More examples

状況に応じて柔軟に対応することが求められます。jō kyō ni ō ji te jū nan ni tai ō su ru ko to ga moto me ra re ma su

You are expected to respond flexibly according to the situation.

Core concept

Describes staying open to change by adjusting ideas or actions to fit the situation.

Common phrases

  • 柔軟な対応jū nan na tai ō

    flexible response

  • 柔軟な発想jū nan na has sō

    flexible thinking

Similar words

臨機応変rinkiōhen: Describes changing a response to match the conditions of each situation.
自在jizai: Describes doing things freely and adjusting methods without fixed limits.
しなやかshinayaka: Describes adapting smoothly to change without becoming rigid.

Definition in Japanese

一つの考え方に固執せず、状況に応じて考え方や対応を変えられるさま。hito tsu no kanga e kata ni ko shitsu se zu jō kyō ni ō ji te kanga e kata ya tai ō o ka e ra re ru sa ma

Word origin

柔軟 (jūnan) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 柔 (jū, "soft") and 軟 (nan, "soft"), linking physical softness with the ability to adjust.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 柔軟 (jūnan) often describes thinking or responses, so it appears when people discuss plans, opinions, or problem solving.

Other meanings

  • adaptablena-adjective

Opposites

  • 硬直的kōchokutekirigidna-adjective

Related words

  • 柔軟性jūnanseiflexibilitynoun

Word lists with this word