弾力

• Reading: だんりょく
• Romaji: danryoku
• Kanji breakdown: 弾 (dan) — to spring, bounce | 力 (ryoku) — power, force
• Pronunciation: /dan.ɾjo.kɯ/

Meaning

Elasticity; flexibility; resilience. The capacity to spring back or adapt after pressure or change.

A noun with both literal meanings (the physical springiness of a material) and important figurative meanings. In policy, business, and law, 弾力を持たせる (to build in flexibility) and 弾力的な運用 (flexible application) are standard phrases. The figurative use emphasises adaptive capacity in the face of changing circumstances, making it close in meaning to 柔軟性 (flexibility) but with a connotation of active resilience.

Examples

1. 制度に弾力を持たせることで、変化する状況にも柔軟に対応できる。 By building flexibility into the system, it can adapt smoothly to changing circumstances.
2. このクッション素材は弾力があり、長時間座っていても疲れにくい。 This cushion material has great elasticity, so you don't get tired even after sitting for a long time.
3. 弾力的な働き方を導入した結果、社員の生産性と満足度が向上した。 As a result of introducing flexible work arrangements, employee productivity and satisfaction both improved.

Usage Guide

Context: policy, materials, business, labour relations

Tone: practical

Origin & History

Compound of 弾 (dan) meaning 'to spring, bounce, pluck' and 力 (ryoku) meaning 'power, force'. Together they capture the energy stored in a compressed or bent object that enables it to return to its original form.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Working professionals