可塑性

• Reading: かそせい
• Romaji: kasosei
• Kanji breakdown: 可 (ka) — capable of; 塑 (so) — to mould, to model; 性 (sei) — property, nature
• Pronunciation: /ka.so.seː/

Meaning

Plasticity; malleability. The ability of a material or system to undergo permanent deformation in response to stress, retaining the new shape without elastic rebound.

A technical noun combining 可塑 (capable of being moulded) and 性 (nature, property). In materials science, 可塑性 refers to permanent deformation (contrasted with 弾性 — elasticity, which is reversible). In neuroscience, 神経可塑性 (neuroplasticity) describes the brain's ability to reorganise itself. The term also appears in developmental psychology (発達的可塑性) and social science discussions of adaptability. The related adjective is 可塑的 (plastic, malleable).

Examples

1. 金属の可塑性を利用することで、複雑な形状の製品を圧延や鍛造によって製造できる。 By exploiting the plasticity of metals, products with complex shapes can be manufactured through rolling and forging.
2. 幼少期の脳は神経可塑性が高く、新しい言語や技能を習得しやすい。 The young brain has high neuroplasticity, making it easier to acquire new languages and skills.
3. 可塑性の高い素材は、衝撃を受けても変形するだけで破断しにくいという特性がある。 Materials with high plasticity have the characteristic of deforming under impact without fracturing easily.

Usage Guide

Context: materials science, engineering, neuroscience, psychology, physics

Tone: technical, academic

Origin & History

Meiji-era Sino-Japanese compound: 可 (ka) — capable of, possible + 塑 (so) — to mould, to model in clay + 性 (sei) — property, nature. 塑 is used in 塑像 (sculpture, clay figure), connecting plasticity to the idea of being shaped like clay.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji-Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Educated