Inklingo

How to Say "adaptable" in Spanish

English → Spanish

flexible

/flek-SEE-bleh//flekˈsiβle/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'flexible' when describing a person's personality or a situation, like a work schedule, that allows for changes or variations.
A thick piece of colorful clay being molded and shaped by hands.

Examples

Tengo un horario flexible en mi trabajo.

I have a flexible schedule at my job.

Debemos ser flexibles con los planes de viaje.

We must be flexible with the travel plans.

Mi jefe no es nada flexible con las normas.

My boss isn't flexible at all with the rules.

Using 'Nada'

To say someone is 'not at all' flexible, use 'no es nada flexible'.

Confusion with 'Adaptable'

Mistake: “Mi plan es adaptable.”

Correction: Mi plan es flexible. While similar, 'flexible' is much more common for schedules and rules.

elástico

adjectiveB2general
Use 'elástico' primarily for situations or abstract concepts that can stretch or change significantly, often implying a greater degree of variability than 'flexible'.

Examples

Tenemos un horario elástico en la oficina.

We have a flexible schedule at the office.

Flexible vs. Elástico

Learners often confuse 'flexible' and 'elástico'. While both relate to adaptability, 'flexible' is more common for personal traits and standard work arrangements. 'Elástico' is often used for more abstract or dynamic situations that can be stretched significantly.

Related Translations

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