Inklingo

How to Say "flexibility" in Spanish

English → Spanish

flexibilidad

/flek-see-bee-lee-dahd//fleksibiliˈdað/

nounB1general
Use 'flexibilidad' when referring to the physical ability of your body to bend and move, or for abstract qualities like adaptability in ideas or plans.
A colorful illustration of a person easily touching their toes while sitting on a green field.

Examples

Hago yoga todos los días para mejorar mi flexibilidad.

I do yoga every day to improve my flexibility.

Mi jefe tiene mucha flexibilidad con el horario de entrada.

My boss has a lot of flexibility with the start time.

La flexibilidad mental es clave para resolver problemas difíciles.

Mental flexibility is key to solving difficult problems.

The '-dad' Rule

Words ending in '-dad' are almost always feminine in Spanish. Use 'la' or 'una' with this word.

Making it Plural

To talk about more than one type of flexibility, add '-es' to the end: 'flexibilidades'.

Gender confusion

Mistake: “El flexibilidad es importante.”

Correction: La flexibilidad es importante. Remember that the '-dad' ending tells you the word is feminine.

cintura

/seen-TOO-rah//sinˈtuɾa/

nounB2general
Use 'cintura' specifically when talking about someone's skillful and quick ability to adapt to changing circumstances or to get out of difficult situations.
A person skillfully dodging a falling object with a quick movement.

Examples

El político mostró mucha cintura para evitar el conflicto.

The politician showed a lot of flexibility to avoid the conflict.

Confusing physical vs. situational flexibility

The most common mistake is using 'cintura' for physical flexibility or 'flexibilidad' for navigating tricky situations. Remember, 'flexibilidad' is for your body or abstract adaptability, while 'cintura' is for skillful social or political maneuvering.

Related Translations

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