Definition
伸缩 (shēn suō) literally means 'to extend and retract' — used for physical objects like ladders or robotic arms. Figuratively, it means 'to adjust flexibly' (like a strategy), which overlaps with 变通 (biàn tōng 'to adapt pragmatically'). The key difference: 伸缩 emphasizes the ability to stretch or shrink, while 变通 focuses on changing approach to suit circumstances. Unlike 灵活 (líng huó 'nimble, agile'), 伸缩 is not used for people's movements or thinking.
verb
to extend and retractto telescope(figuratively) to be flexibleto adjust adaptively
Examples
- 伸缩。Zhè zhǒng tīzi kěyǐ shēn suō chéng bùtóng de chángdù.This kind of ladder can be extended to different lengths.
- 伸缩。Tā shèjì de jīxiè bì nénggòu shēn suō zìrú.The robotic arm he designed can extend and retract freely.
- 伸缩。Gōngsī de jīngyíng cèlüè yào suíshí shēn suō tiáozhěng.The company's business strategy needs to be flexibly adjusted anytime.
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