伸缩

伸縮

shēnsuō

verb HSK 7-9 #24,974

Meanings

Literally 'extend and contract' — describes flexible expansion and contraction

这种材料可以自由伸缩。

Zhèzhǒng cáiliào kěyǐ zìyóu shēnsuō.

This material can expand and contract freely.

时间安排有一定的伸缩余地。

Shíjiān ānpái yǒu yīdìng de shēnsuō yúdì.

The schedule has some flexibility.

usage

伸缩 can be literal (physical stretching) or figurative (flexibility in plans, budgets). 伸缩性 (shēnsuōxìng) means 'flexibility' or 'elasticity'.

memory

Think of a telescope (伸缩望远镜) — it stretches out (伸) and shrinks back (缩).

伸 shēn

缩 suō