Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Elastic: Describes a material or object's physical ability to stretch and then return to its original shape and size.
   • Flexible: Describes a non-physical concept (like a plan, rule, or meaning) that can be adapted, adjusted, or interpreted with some leeway.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To be elastic/flexible: To have the property of stretching and contracting, or to allow for adaptation and adjustment.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Cao su là chất co giãn. (Rubber is an elastic material.)
  • Kế hoạch này rất co giãn. (This plan is very flexible.)
  • Ý nghĩa của từ ấy co giãn. (The meaning of that word is flexible.)

• Verb:

  • Chất khí thì co giãn. (Gases are elastic.)
  • Thời gian họp có thể co giãn. (The meeting duration can be flexible.)

Advanced Usage

• Used in formal and technical contexts to describe physical properties (physics, engineering) as well as in administrative or strategic contexts to describe adaptable systems.

Variants and Related Words

• Đàn hồi (adj): Elastic, resilient. Often used interchangeably with for physical properties, but can also imply the ability to recover from difficulty.
• Linh hoạt (adj): Flexible, adaptable. More common for describing non-physical adaptability (e.g., schedules, people).

Synonyms

• Elastic: stretchy, supple.
• Flexible: adaptable, adjustable, pliable.

Related Idioms

• Có tính co giãn: To have elasticity/flexibility. This phrase is often used to formally describe a characteristic.
  • Ngân sách năm nay có tính co giãn cao. (This year's budget has high flexibility.)

1. Elastic
   • cao su là chất co giãn
     rubber is an elastic material
   • kế hoạch co giãn
     an elastic plan