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How to Say "flexible" in Spanish

English → Spanish

flexible

/flek-SEE-bleh//flekˈsiβle/

adjectiveA2/B1general
Use 'flexible' when referring to physical materials or objects that can bend or be easily reshaped, or for abstract concepts like schedules, rules, or attitudes that are adaptable.
A colorful garden hose being bent into a U-shape without breaking.

Examples

El plástico es un material muy flexible.

Plastic is a very flexible material.

Los gimnastas tienen que ser muy flexibles.

Gymnasts have to be very flexible.

Usa una regla flexible para medir la curva.

Use a flexible ruler to measure the curve.

Tengo un horario flexible en mi trabajo.

I have a flexible schedule at my job.

One Size Fits All

This word is the same for both masculine and feminine things. You don't need to change the 'e' to an 'a' or 'o'.

Placement

Like most adjectives in Spanish, put 'flexible' after the noun you are describing (e.g., 'goma flexible').

Using 'Nada'

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

The 'Flexiblo' Error

Mistake: “El chico es flexiblo.”

Correction: El chico es flexible. Even though 'chico' is masculine, adjectives ending in -e don't change to -o.

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 abstract things like rules, schedules, or policies that allow for variation or are not rigid, implying a degree of give.

Examples

Tenemos un horario elástico en la oficina.

We have a flexible schedule at the office.

Choosing between 'flexible' and 'elástico'

Learners often confuse 'flexible' and 'elástico' when referring to abstract concepts. While 'flexible' can cover both physical items and adaptable concepts (A2/B1), 'elástico' is more commonly used for abstract flexibility (B2) and implies a greater degree of looseness or give.

Related Translations

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