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伸缩

伸縮
shēnsuō
verb HSK 7 #24,974

Meanings

  1. 1 to expand and contract
  2. 2 to stretch and shrink
  3. 3 flexible
  4. 4 telescopic

Characters

伸
shēn
stretch; extend
缩
suō
shrink; contract
Literally 'extend and contract' — describes flexible expansion and contraction

Examples

这种材料可以自由伸缩。
Zhè zhǒng 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.

Tips

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).

Stroke Order

伸 shēn
缩 suō