融通

ゆうずう

adaptability, versatility, finance

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word "融通" (ゆうずう) primarily refers to flexibility or adaptability in various contexts, including personal behavior and financial matters. It can mean being able to adjust plans or actions smoothly, or the ability to arrange funds or credit.

Common Contexts

  1. Personal flexibility: When someone is described as having "融通が利く", it means they are adaptable and can handle unexpected changes or requests.
  2. Financial flexibility: "融通" can also refer to the act of lending or borrowing money, or managing finances to meet needs.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 融通が利く: to be flexible or adaptable; used to describe people or systems that can adjust easily.
  • 融通が利かない: to be inflexible or rigid.
  • お金の融通: arranging or managing money, often in the sense of borrowing or lending.

Register and Nuance

"融通" is a somewhat formal word often used in business or polite conversation. It implies a positive quality when referring to flexibility, but can also highlight a lack of it when negated.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "融通" with simple "flexibility" in a physical sense, but it is more about adaptability in plans or financial arrangements. Also, it is not used for physical flexibility of the body.

Understanding these nuances will help you use "融通" appropriately in both social and financial contexts.

Example Sentences

かれはしごとのゆうずうがきくので、きゅうなへんこうにもたいおうできる。

He is flexible with his work, so he can handle sudden changes.

おかねのゆうずうがつかなくて、りょこうをえんきした。

I couldn't arrange the money, so I postponed the trip.

ゆうずうがきかないひとは、けいかくどおりにしかうごけないことがおおい。

People who lack flexibility often can only act according to the plan.