伸縮

• Reading: しんしゅく
• Romaji: shinshuku
• Kanji breakdown: 伸 (shin) — stretch, extend, grow; 縮 (shuku) — shrink, contract, reduce
• Pronunciation: /ɕiɴ.ɕɯ.kɯ/

Meaning

Expansion and contraction; elasticity; stretching and shrinking; flexibility.

A noun and する verb describing the property of expanding and contracting, or the act of doing so. Used for physical materials (elastic fabric, rubber), mechanical devices (telescoping poles), and figuratively for flexible schedules or plans. The adjective form 伸縮性 (shinshukusei) means 'elasticity.'

Examples

1. この素材は伸縮性があるので動きやすい。 This material is stretchy, so it's easy to move around in.
2. 伸縮する棒を使えば高い所にも届く。 Using an extendable pole lets you reach high places.
3. スケジュールに伸縮の余地を持たせた方がいい。 It's better to build some flexibility into your schedule.

Usage Guide

Context: materials, manufacturing, daily life, figurative

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 伸 (shin, stretch/extend) + 縮 (shuku, shrink/contract). An antonym compound (対義複合語) that combines opposite meanings to express the full range of elastic movement.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal