Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Flexible" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "flexible", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
柔軟
じゅうなん (jūnan)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
柔軟な
じゅうなんな (jūnan na)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "flexible" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 柔軟 and 柔軟な.
In Japanese, 柔軟 (じゅうなん (jūnan)) is typically associated with "flexible, pliable, soft" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Can refer to physical flexibility.
On the other hand, 柔軟な (じゅうなんな (jūnan na)) maps to "flexible; soft; pliable; adaptable; versatile" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A な-adjective. It describes both physical flexibility. A literal translation of "flexible" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "柔軟"
彼女は体がとても柔軟なので、ヨガが得意だ。
She is very flexible, so she is good at yoga.
Bilingual Context for "柔軟な"
彼女は体がとても柔軟です。／新しい状況にも柔軟に対応できる人が求められています。
She is very physically flexible. / People who can adapt flexibly to new situations are sought after.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は体がとても ＿＿＿ なので、ヨガが得意だ。" (Meaning: "She is very flexible, so she is good at yoga.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "柔軟" fits here because it means "flexible, pliable, soft" in the context of: "She is very flexible, so she is good at yoga.". "柔軟な" represents "flexible; soft; pliable; adaptable; versatile".