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탄력성

B1 noun 12 min read

탄력성

tallyeokseong

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 탄력성 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 탄력성 in your Level:

탄력성 (tan-ryeok-seong) is a word that describes things that can 'bounce back'. Think of a rubber band or a ball. If you pull a rubber band, it stretches. If you let it go, it goes back to its original shape. This 'power' to go back is called 탄력성. At this level, you can remember it by thinking of 'bouncy' things. For example, a good bed or a good pair of sneakers might have 탄력성. You can say '고무줄은 탄력성이 있어요' (The rubber band has elasticity). It is a noun, so you use it with '있어요' (has) or '없어요' (doesn't have). Even though it's a bit of a long word, think of it as the 'bounce power' of an object. You might also hear this word when talking about skin. If your skin is healthy and firm, people say it has '탄력' (bounce). Drinking water and sleeping well helps your skin have good 탄력성. Just remember: pull it, let go, it comes back—that is 탄력성!

At the A2 level, you can start using 탄력성 in more specific situations, like describing clothes or basic health. 탄력성 comes from the words 탄 (bounce), 력 (power), and 성 (nature/quality). So it literally means 'the quality of bounce power'. You will often see this word on the labels of sports clothes or leggings because they need to be stretchy but also return to their original size. You can say, '이 운동복은 탄력성이 좋아서 편해요' (These workout clothes are comfortable because they have good elasticity). You can also use it to talk about your skin in a simple way. If you use a good face cream, you might say '피부의 탄력성이 좋아졌어요' (My skin's elasticity has improved). It's important to notice that in daily conversation, people often shorten '탄력성' to just '탄력'. For example, '피부 탄력' instead of '피부 탄력성'. But in writing or more formal talk, the full word is better. Try to use it when you want to describe something that is firm and springy.

At the B1 level, you should understand that 탄력성 is not just for physical objects but also for abstract ideas like the mind or systems. A very popular term in Korea right now is '회복탄력성' (hoe-bok-tan-ryeok-seong), which means 'resilience'. This is the mental 'elasticity' that allows a person to bounce back after a difficult time or a failure. If someone has high 회복탄력성, they don't give up easily when they face problems. You can use it in a sentence like: '성공하려면 회복탄력성을 길러야 합니다' (To succeed, you must cultivate resilience). In addition, you might hear this word in economic news. For example, '수요의 탄력성' (elasticity of demand) describes how people's buying habits change when prices change. If a small price change makes people stop buying something, the demand has high 탄력성. This word is very useful for moving beyond simple descriptions into more complex discussions about character and society. Remember to use '탄력적' as the adjective form, such as '탄력적인 대응' (a flexible/elastic response).

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 탄력성 in professional or academic contexts. This word is essential for discussing flexibility in management, economics, and materials science. In business, '운영의 탄력성' (operational flexibility) refers to an organization's ability to adapt its strategies and resources to changing market conditions. For instance, '우리 회사는 시장 변화에 맞춰 탄력성을 확보해야 합니다' (Our company needs to secure flexibility in response to market changes). In the labor market, '노동 시장의 탄력성' refers to how easily the market adjusts to economic shifts, such as hiring and firing practices or wage changes. You should also be comfortable using the word in more detailed physical descriptions. For example, an engineer might discuss the '탄력성 한계' (elastic limit) of a material, which is the maximum stress it can withstand before being permanently deformed. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 탄력성 (the general property) and related terms like '신축성' (stretchability) or '유연성' (flexibility), choosing the most precise term for your specific context.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 탄력성 and its role in sophisticated discourse. You can use it to describe complex societal systems or philosophical concepts. For example, you might discuss the '사회적 탄력성' (social resilience) of a community in the wake of a natural disaster or economic crisis, referring to the collective ability of the society to maintain its core functions and recover. In policy analysis, you might critique the '정책적 탄력성' (policy flexibility) of a government, arguing whether a certain regulation is too rigid or sufficiently adaptable. You should also be able to use the word in literary or high-level rhetorical contexts. For instance, you could describe the '언어의 탄력성' (the elasticity of language), referring to how words and meanings can be stretched and adapted over time. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's Hanja roots (彈力性) and how they contribute to its meaning of 'the inherent nature of spring-like power'. You should also be able to use it in complex grammatical structures, such as '탄력성을 담보하다' (to guarantee flexibility) or '탄력성을 극대화하다' (to maximize elasticity).

At the C2 level, your command of 탄력성 should be indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You can employ the term in highly specialized fields like advanced macroeconomics, theoretical physics, or deep psychological analysis. You might explore the '거시경제적 탄력성' (macroeconomic elasticity) of a nation's currency in response to global interest rate fluctuations, or the '신경 탄력성' (neuroplasticity/resilience) of the human brain in adapting to cognitive decline. At this level, you can use the word to construct subtle arguments, perhaps debating the tension between '구조적 안정성' (structural stability) and '기능적 탄력성' (functional elasticity) in institutional design. You are capable of using the word in metaphors that are both original and culturally resonant. Furthermore, you should be aware of the historical evolution of the term in Korean discourse—how it moved from a purely technical term to a central concept in the modern Korean 'healing' and self-development culture. Your ability to use 탄력성 and its derivatives (e.g., 탄력화, 비탄력적) should be precise, contextually perfect, and stylistically varied, demonstrating a complete mastery of its semantic range.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

탄력성 in 30 Seconds

탄력성 means elasticity or resilience, describing the ability to return to an original state after deformation or stress.
It is commonly used in skincare (skin firmness), physics (springs), psychology (mental resilience), and economics (market responsiveness).
The word is a noun, often paired with verbs like '좋다' (good), '있다' (has), or '잃다' (lose).
It is a key concept for both physical health and mental strength in modern Korean society.

The Korean word 탄력성 (tan-ryeok-seong) is a sophisticated and versatile noun that translates most directly to 'elasticity' or 'resilience' in English. At its core, it describes the physical property of an object to return to its original shape after being deformed, but its usage extends far beyond physics into the realms of psychology, economics, and even skincare. In the physical sense, think of a high-quality rubber band or a spring; when you pull it, it stretches, but the moment you let go, its 탄력성 brings it back to its starting state. This literal meaning is fundamental to understanding the word's metaphorical applications. In the beauty and health industry in Korea, 탄력성 is a keyword used to describe the firmness and 'bounce' of the skin. As people age, they often worry about losing skin elasticity (피부 탄력성), leading to the massive popularity of products that claim to restore this quality.

Scientific Context: In physics and materials science, 탄력성 refers to the ability of a material to absorb energy when it is deformed elastically, and release that energy upon unloading. It is the measure of how much a material can resist permanent deformation.

Beyond the physical, the word has taken on a significant role in psychology through the concept of '회복탄력성' (resilience). This refers to a person's mental ability to bounce back from adversity, trauma, or significant stress. In a high-pressure society like South Korea, the discussion around mental 탄력성 has become increasingly prominent in education and workplace wellness.

고무줄은 뛰어난 탄력성을 가지고 있어서 아무리 당겨도 원래대로 돌아옵니다. (Rubber bands have excellent elasticity, so no matter how much you pull them, they return to their original state.)

Furthermore, in the field of economics, 탄력성 is used to describe how one variable responds to changes in another, such as 'price elasticity of demand' (수요의 가격 탄력성). This measure helps economists understand how sensitive consumers are to price changes. If a small change in price leads to a large change in the quantity demanded, the demand is said to be elastic. You will encounter this word in news reports discussing the flexibility of the labor market, in skincare commercials promising youthful skin, in self-help books teaching how to overcome failure, and in science textbooks explaining the properties of matter. It is a word that bridges the gap between the tangible physical world and the intangible world of human emotions and systems.

Economic Context: Economic elasticity measures the responsiveness of supply and demand to changes in price or income. A '탄력적인 시장' (elastic market) is one that adapts quickly to external shocks.

어려운 시기를 극복하기 위해서는 마음의 탄력성을 기르는 것이 중요합니다. (In order to overcome difficult times, it is important to cultivate mental resilience.)

Biological Context: Biological elasticity refers to the ability of tissues like muscles, tendons, and skin to stretch and return to their original state, which is vital for movement and protection.

이 소재는 탄력성이 좋아서 운동복을 만들기에 적합합니다. (This material has good elasticity, making it suitable for making sportswear.)

수요의 가격 탄력성이 낮으면 가격이 올라도 소비가 크게 줄지 않습니다. (If the price elasticity of demand is low, consumption does not decrease significantly even if the price rises.)

피부의 탄력성을 유지하기 위해 매일 보습제를 바릅니다. (I apply moisturizer every day to maintain the elasticity of my skin.)

Using 탄력성 correctly requires understanding the specific domain you are speaking in. While the word itself is consistent, the verbs and adjectives that accompany it change based on the context. For physical objects, you often use verbs like '있다' (to have), '없다' (to not have), '좋다' (to be good), or '뛰어나다' (to be excellent). For example, '이 고무줄은 탄력성이 좋다' (This rubber band has good elasticity). If you are talking about something losing its elasticity, you use '잃다' (to lose) or '저하되다' (to be lowered/degraded).

Skincare Usage: When describing skin, phrases like '탄력성을 회복하다' (to recover elasticity) or '탄력성을 강화하다' (to strengthen elasticity) are very common in advertising. You might hear: '나이가 들면서 피부의 탄력성이 떨어지는 것은 자연스러운 현상입니다' (It is a natural phenomenon for skin elasticity to decrease as one ages).

In psychological contexts, 탄력성 is often paired with words related to growth or maintenance. '탄력성을 기르다' (to cultivate/nurture resilience) is a standard expression. You might say, '실패를 통해 우리는 마음의 탄력성을 기를 수 있습니다' (Through failure, we can cultivate the resilience of our mind). Another common term is '회복탄력성' (resilience/recovery elasticity), which functions as a single compound noun.

그는 역경 속에서도 강한 탄력성을 보여주었습니다. (He showed strong resilience even in the face of adversity.)

In economic and policy discussions, 탄력성 is often used with '높다' (to be high) or '낮다' (to be low). For instance, '노동 시장의 탄력성을 높여야 한다' means 'We must increase the flexibility of the labor market.' In this context, it refers to the ability of the system to adjust to changes in supply and demand. When discussing materials in engineering or construction, you might use '탄력성을 측정하다' (to measure elasticity) or '탄력성에 영향을 주다' (to affect elasticity). For example, '온도 변화는 금속의 탄력성에 영향을 줄 수 있습니다' (Temperature changes can affect the elasticity of metals).

Abstract Flexibility: The term '운영의 탄력성' (operational flexibility) is used to describe a system or organization that can adapt its rules or methods based on the current situation. '상황에 맞춰 탄력성을 발휘하다' means to demonstrate flexibility according to the situation.

정부는 경제 위기에 대응하기 위해 정책의 탄력성을 확보했습니다. (The government secured policy flexibility to respond to the economic crisis.)

이 침대는 탄력성이 뛰어나서 허리가 편안합니다. (This bed has excellent elasticity, so it is comfortable for the back.)

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 탄력성을 잃다 (To lose elasticity). 2. 탄력성을 유지하다 (To maintain elasticity). 3. 탄력성을 부여하다 (To give/endow elasticity). 4. 탄력성을 높이다 (To increase elasticity).

근육의 탄력성을 높이기 위해 스트레칭을 자주 해야 합니다. (You should stretch often to increase the elasticity of your muscles.)

You will hear 탄력성 in a wide variety of everyday and professional settings in Korea. One of the most frequent places is in television commercials for cosmetics and skincare. Brands like Sulwhasoo, Laneige, or Innisfree constantly use phrases like '피부 탄력성 개선' (improvement of skin elasticity) to market their anti-aging creams and serums. In these ads, the word is associated with youth, health, and beauty. If you visit a dermatologist (피부과) or an esthetician, they will likely use this term when discussing your skin's condition.

In the Media: News broadcasts frequently use 탄력성 when reporting on the economy or government policy. You might hear a news anchor say, '시장의 탄력성이 회복되고 있습니다' (The market's resilience/elasticity is recovering), or '정부는 예산 집행에 탄력성을 두기로 했습니다' (The government decided to allow flexibility in budget execution).

In educational settings, specifically in psychology or self-development lectures, you will hear about '회복탄력성' (resilience). This has become a buzzword in South Korea as the country grapples with high levels of social pressure and academic competition. Teachers and counselors often talk about how to help students build 탄력성 so they can handle academic setbacks or social challenges.

광고: '이 크림은 피부 깊숙이 스며들어 탄력성을 되찾아 줍니다.' (Advertisement: 'This cream penetrates deep into the skin to restore elasticity.')

In the sports world, commentators might discuss the 탄력성 of an athlete's muscles or their ability to recover from injury. A basketball player with a high vertical jump might be described as having great '탄력' (bounce/elasticity). In materials science or manufacturing, engineers use 탄력성 when discussing the properties of new materials, such as a new type of plastic or a composite material used in aerospace. You might also hear this word in the context of fashion. When shopping for clothes, especially activewear or stockings, the salesperson might point out the '탄력성이 좋은 소재' (material with good elasticity) to emphasize comfort and fit. In the kitchen, when making dough for noodles or bread, a chef might describe the '탄력성' of the dough, referring to its chewiness and how it springs back when touched.

Economic News: Reports on the stock market often mention '하방 탄력성' (downward elasticity) or '상방 탄력성' (upward elasticity) to describe the degree to which stock prices react to market news.

강연: '회복탄력성이 높은 사람은 실패를 성장의 발판으로 삼습니다.' (Lecture: 'People with high resilience use failure as a stepping stone for growth.')

뉴스: '노동 시장의 탄력성을 확보하는 것이 이번 개혁의 핵심입니다.' (News: 'Securing labor market flexibility is the core of this reform.')

Daily Life: You might hear a friend say, '이 바지는 탄력성이 좋아서 정말 편해' (These pants have good elasticity, so they are really comfortable).

과학 교과서: '고체 물질은 각기 다른 탄력성을 가지고 있습니다.' (Science textbook: 'Solid substances each have different levels of elasticity.')

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 탄력성 is confusing it with related but distinct words like 유연성 (yu-yeon-seong - flexibility) or 복원력 (bok-won-ryeok - restoring force). While they are similar, their nuances differ. 탄력성 implies a 'springiness' or the ability to return to a shape after being stretched. 유연성, on the other hand, focuses more on the ability to bend or adapt without breaking. For example, a gymnast has '유연성', but a rubber ball has '탄력성'. Using '유연성' to describe a rubber band would sound odd to a native speaker.

Confusing with '신축성': Another word that is often confused with 탄력성 is 신축성 (sin-chuk-seong). 신축성 literally means the ability to stretch (신) and contract (축). While they are often interchangeable when talking about fabric, 탄력성 emphasizes the 'power' or 'force' of returning to the original state, whereas 신축성 emphasizes the physical range of stretching and shrinking. If you want to say leggings are stretchy, '신축성' is more common; if you want to say they hold their shape well, '탄력성' is appropriate.

Another mistake is the incorrect use of particles or verbs. Learners often say '탄력성을 되다' which is grammatically incorrect. You should use '탄력성이 있다' (to have elasticity) or '탄력적이게 되다' (to become elastic). Also, remember that '탄력성' is a noun. If you want to use it as an adjective to describe a person's behavior or a system's operation, you must use '탄력적' (elastic/flexible).

틀린 표현: '그는 성격이 탄력성이다.' (Incorrect: 'He is elasticity of character.') -> 옳은 표현: '그는 성격이 탄력적이다.' (Correct: 'He has an elastic/flexible character.')

In economic contexts, learners sometimes forget that 탄력성 is a technical term. Saying '가격이 탄력성이다' is incorrect; you should say '가격 탄력성이 높다' (price elasticity is high). Also, be careful not to confuse it with '민감성' (sensitivity). While they are related in economics, '민감성' is a more general term for how something reacts, while '탄력성' is the specific mathematical ratio of that reaction.

Word Choice: Skin vs. Muscle: For skin, '탄력' is almost always the preferred short form. For muscles, '탄력' or '탄성' (tan-seong - elasticity) can both be used, but '탄성' is more common in purely physical/scientific descriptions of how muscles function as springs.

틀린 표현: '이 계획은 탄력성이 부족해서 수정할 수 없어요.' (Incorrect: 'This plan lacks elasticity, so it cannot be modified.') -> 자연스러운 표현: '이 계획은 유연성이 부족해요.' (More natural: 'This plan lacks flexibility.') or '탄력적으로 운영하기 어려워요.' (It's hard to operate it flexibly.)

틀린 표현: '운동을 해서 몸의 탄력성을 유연하게 만들었어요.' (Incorrect: 'I made my body's elasticity flexible through exercise.') -> 옳은 표현: '운동을 해서 몸의 탄력성을 높였어요.' (Correct: 'I increased my body's elasticity through exercise.')

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 탄력성 will help you choose the most precise word for your situation. The most closely related word is 탄성 (tan-seong), which also means elasticity. However, 탄성 is primarily used in physics and science to describe the property of an object. 탄력성 is a more general term used in daily life, beauty, and social sciences. If you are writing a physics paper, use '탄성'; if you are talking about skincare or the economy, use '탄력성'.

Comparison: 탄력성 vs. 유연성: 탄력성 (Elasticity/Resilience): Focuses on the ability to return to the original state. Used for skin, rubber, and mental recovery. 유연성 (Flexibility): Focuses on the ability to bend, stretch, or adapt without breaking. Used for joints, thinking, and rules.

Another alternative is 신축성 (sin-chuk-seong), which is specifically used for things that can stretch and shrink, like clothing or building materials. While 탄력성 implies a force pulling back, 신축성 simply describes the range of motion. For example, '신축성이 좋은 바지' (stretchy pants) is more common than '탄력성이 좋은 바지', although both are understood.

비교: '피부의 탄력성' (Skin elasticity - firmness) vs. '사고의 유연성' (Flexibility of thought - open-mindedness).

In the context of psychology, '회복력' (hoe-bok-ryeok - power of recovery) is a simpler alternative to '회복탄력성'. While '회복탄력성' is the academic term, '회복력' is often used in casual conversation. For example, '그는 회복력이 빠르다' (He recovers quickly). In economics, '가변성' (ga-byeon-seong - variability) or '적응성' (jeok-eung-seong - adaptability) might be used depending on the specific nuance, but '탄력성' remains the standard term for responsiveness to change.

Comparison: 탄력성 vs. 복원력: 탄력성 is the property itself, while 복원력 (Restoring force) is the actual force that pulls the object back. In a disaster recovery context, '복원력' is more about rebuilding, while '회복탄력성' is about the system's inherent ability to handle the shock.

예시: '이 고무줄은 탄력성이 좋아서 잘 늘어나고 잘 돌아옵니다.' (This rubber band has good elasticity, so it stretches well and returns well.)

예시: '그는 어떤 문제도 탄력적으로 해결합니다.' (He solves any problem elastically/flexibly.)

Synonym Summary: 1. 탄성 (Physics). 2. 신축성 (Clothing/Stretch). 3. 회복력 (General recovery). 4. 유연성 (Adaptability/Bending).

경제 용어: '공급의 탄력성이 낮으면 가격 변동에 민감하게 반응하지 못합니다.' (If the elasticity of supply is low, it cannot react sensitively to price changes.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 彈 (탄) is the same one used in 'bullet' (총탄) and 'shell' (포탄), originally referring to the tension of a bowstring being released.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʰaʎːjʌk̚s͈ʌŋ/

US /tʰaʎːjʌk̚s͈ʌŋ/

The primary stress is on the first syllable '탄', with a secondary focus on the tensed '성' at the end.

Rhymes With

유연성 (Flexibility) 적응성 (Adaptability) 창의성 (Creativity) 가능성 (Possibility) 안정성 (Stability) 일관성 (Consistency) 민감성 (Sensitivity) 중요성 (Importance)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ㄴ' and 'ㄹ' separately as 'tan-ryeok' instead of the smooth 'tal-lyeok'.
Failing to tense the 'ㅅ' in '성', making it sound too soft.
Weakening the aspiration on the initial 'ㅌ'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is common, but it appears in complex academic and economic texts.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of Hanja-based collocations and domain-specific verbs.

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation involves lateralization (n+r -> l+l), which can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Often shortened to '탄력' in casual speech, which learners must recognize.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

힘 (Power/Force) 성질 (Nature/Property) 고무 (Rubber) 피부 (Skin) 회복 (Recovery)

Learn Next

유연성 (Flexibility) 신축성 (Stretchability) 경직성 (Rigidity) 가소성 (Plasticity) 복원력 (Restoring force)

Advanced

한계 효용 (Marginal utility) 균형 가격 (Equilibrium price) 정신 분석 (Psychoanalysis) 고분자 화합물 (Polymer compounds)

Grammar to Know

Noun + -성 (Suffix for 'quality/nature')

가능성 (Possibility), 중요성 (Importance), 창의성 (Creativity)

Lateralization (ㄴ + ㄹ -> ㄹ + ㄹ)

탄력성 (Tal-lyeok-seong), 관리 (Gwal-li), 연락 (Yeol-lak)

Adjective form -적 (Sino-Korean suffix)

탄력적 (Elastic), 경제적 (Economic), 역사적 (Historical)

Compound Noun Formation

회복 + 탄력성 = 회복탄력성

Object + -의 (Possessive)

고무의 탄력성, 피부의 탄력성

Examples by Level

이 공은 탄력성이 좋아요.

This ball has good elasticity.

탄력성 (noun) + 이 (subject particle) + 좋아요 (is good).

고무줄은 탄력성이 있어요.

Rubber bands have elasticity.

있어요 means 'to have' or 'to exist'.

피부 탄력이 중요해요.

Skin elasticity is important.

탄력 is the shortened form of 탄력성.

이 침대는 탄력성이 없어요.

This bed has no elasticity.

없어요 means 'to not have' or 'to not exist'.

탄력성이 무엇인가요?

What is elasticity?

무엇인가요 is a formal way to ask 'what is'.

운동화의 탄력성이 좋아요.

The sneakers' elasticity is good.

의 is the possessive particle 's.

탄력성이 있는 장난감이에요.

It is a toy that has elasticity.

있는 is the adjective form of 있다.

물은 탄력성이 없어요.

Water does not have elasticity.

Simple subject-object-verb structure.

이 바지는 탄력성이 좋아서 편해요.

These pants are comfortable because they have good elasticity.

-아서/-어서 is a conjunction meaning 'because'.

비타민을 먹으면 피부 탄력성에 좋아요.

Taking vitamins is good for skin elasticity.

-으면 is a conditional 'if/when'.

고무는 금속보다 탄력성이 높아요.

Rubber has higher elasticity than metal.

보다 is used for comparison 'than'.

탄력성을 유지하려면 운동을 하세요.

To maintain elasticity, please exercise.

-으려면 means 'in order to'.

오래된 고무줄은 탄력성을 잃어요.

Old rubber bands lose their elasticity.

잃어요 is the present tense of 잃다 (to lose).

이 소재는 탄력성이 뛰어나요.

This material has excellent elasticity.

뛰어나다 means 'to be excellent/outstanding'.

피부의 탄력성을 위해 물을 많이 마셔요.

I drink a lot of water for my skin's elasticity.

위해(서) means 'for the sake of'.

그 공은 탄력성이 부족해요.

That ball lacks elasticity.

부족해요 means 'to be lacking/insufficient'.

어려운 상황에서도 회복탄력성을 잃지 마세요.

Don't lose your resilience even in difficult situations.

회복탄력성 is a compound noun for 'resilience'.

이 크림은 피부의 탄력성을 회복시켜 줍니다.

This cream restores the skin's elasticity.

-시켜 주다 is a causative form meaning 'to make/cause to'.

가격 탄력성에 따라 판매량이 달라집니다.

Sales volume varies depending on price elasticity.

-에 따라 means 'according to' or 'depending on'.

실패는 마음의 탄력성을 기르는 기회입니다.

Failure is an opportunity to cultivate mental resilience.

기르는 is the noun-modifying form of 기르다 (to raise/cultivate).

정부는 시장의 탄력성을 높이기 위해 노력하고 있어요.

The government is working to increase market flexibility.

-고 있다 expresses a continuous action.

근육의 탄력성을 높이려면 스트레칭이 필수입니다.

Stretching is essential to increase muscle elasticity.

필수입니다 means 'is a must/essential'.

그의 성격은 매우 탄력적이어서 적응을 잘해요.

His personality is very elastic, so he adapts well.

탄력적이다 is the adjective form.

이 고무장갑은 탄력성이 강해서 잘 찢어지지 않아요.

These rubber gloves have strong elasticity, so they don't tear easily.

-지 않아요 is the negative form.

수요의 가격 탄력성이 낮으면 가격 인상이 쉽습니다.

If the price elasticity of demand is low, it is easy to raise prices.

수요의 가격 탄력성 is a technical economic term.

조직의 탄력성을 확보하는 것이 경영의 핵심입니다.

Securing organizational flexibility is the core of management.

확보하는 것 is the gerund form 'securing'.

나이가 들면 콜라겐이 줄어들어 피부 탄력성이 저하됩니다.

As you age, collagen decreases and skin elasticity degrades.

저하되다 means 'to be degraded' or 'to decline'.

이 신소재는 고온에서도 탄력성을 유지하는 특징이 있습니다.

This new material has the characteristic of maintaining elasticity even at high temperatures.

특징이 있습니다 means 'has the characteristic'.

노동 시장의 탄력성을 높이기 위한 법안이 통과되었습니다.

A bill to increase labor market flexibility has been passed.

위한 is 'intended for'.

회복탄력성이 높은 아이들은 스트레스를 더 잘 관리합니다.

Children with high resilience manage stress better.

관리합니다 means 'to manage' or 'to take care of'.

상황에 따라 탄력성을 발휘하여 문제를 해결했습니다.

I solved the problem by exercising flexibility according to the situation.

발휘하여 means 'by demonstrating/exerting'.

예산 집행의 탄력성을 부여하여 효율성을 높였습니다.

Efficiency was increased by granting flexibility in budget execution.

부여하여 means 'by granting/endowing'.

현대 사회에서 개인의 회복탄력성은 정신 건강의 척도가 됩니다.

In modern society, an individual's resilience becomes a measure of mental health.

척도가 됩니다 means 'becomes a yardstick/measure'.

공급 탄력성이 부족한 시장에서는 가격 변동성이 극심하게 나타납니다.

In markets where supply elasticity is lacking, price volatility appears extremely.

극심하게 means 'extremely' or 'severely'.

법 적용의 탄력성을 지나치게 허용하면 형평성 문제가 발생할 수 있습니다.

If too much flexibility in the application of the law is allowed, equity issues may arise.

지나치게 means 'excessively'.

도시의 탄력성은 기후 변화에 대응하는 핵심 역량 중 하나입니다.

Urban resilience is one of the core capacities to respond to climate change.

역량 means 'capacity' or 'capability'.

언어는 시대의 요구에 맞춰 탄력성을 가지고 변화해 왔습니다.

Language has been changing with elasticity in response to the demands of the times.

변화해 왔다 indicates a change that started in the past and continues.

시스템의 탄력성을 극대화하기 위해 다중 보안 체계를 구축했습니다.

A multi-security system was established to maximize the system's resilience.

극대화하기 위해 means 'in order to maximize'.

그 학설은 데이터의 탄력성을 충분히 고려하지 않았다는 비판을 받습니다.

The theory is criticized for not sufficiently considering the elasticity of the data.

비판을 받습니다 means 'receives criticism'.

문화적 탄력성은 외부 문화의 유입을 수용하고 재창조하는 힘입니다.

Cultural resilience is the power to accept and recreate the influx of external cultures.

유입 means 'influx' or 'inflow'.

거시경제적 관점에서 통화 정책의 탄력성은 국가 경제의 완충 장치 역할을 합니다.

From a macroeconomic perspective, the elasticity of monetary policy acts as a buffer for the national economy.

완충 장치 means 'buffer' or 'shock absorber'.

인간의 뇌는 가소성과 탄력성을 동시에 지니고 있어 끊임없이 재구성됩니다.

The human brain possesses both plasticity and resilience, so it is constantly reorganized.

지니고 있어 means 'possessing/carrying'.

비탄력적 수요를 가진 필수재의 경우, 독점 기업의 횡포가 발생하기 쉽습니다.

In the case of essential goods with inelastic demand, the tyranny of monopoly enterprises is likely to occur.

비탄력적 means 'inelastic'.

구조적 경직성과 기능적 탄력성 사이의 균형을 맞추는 것이 통치의 미학입니다.

Balancing structural rigidity and functional elasticity is the aesthetics of governance.

경직성 means 'rigidity' or 'stiffness'.

시공간의 탄력성에 대한 아인슈타인의 이론은 현대 물리학의 근간을 이루었습니다.

Einstein's theory on the elasticity of space-time formed the basis of modern physics.

근간을 이루었습니다 means 'formed the foundation'.

생태계의 탄력성이 한계점에 도달하면 돌이킬 수 없는 붕괴가 시작됩니다.

When the resilience of an ecosystem reaches its limit, irreversible collapse begins.

돌이킬 수 없는 means 'irreversible'.

문학적 텍스트의 해석적 탄력성은 독자의 경험에 따라 무한히 확장됩니다.

The interpretive elasticity of a literary text expands infinitely according to the reader's experience.

무한히 means 'infinitely'.

자본의 이동 탄력성이 높아짐에 따라 국가 간 조세 경쟁이 심화되고 있습니다.

As the mobility elasticity of capital increases, tax competition between countries is intensifying.

-함에 따라 means 'as a result of' or 'along with'.

Synonyms

회복력 유연성 신축성

Antonyms

경직성

Common Collocations

탄력성이 좋다

탄력성을 잃다

탄력성을 유지하다

회복탄력성을 기르다

가격 탄력성

탄력성을 높이다

탄력성이 부족하다

탄력성을 부여하다

탄력성이 저하되다

탄력적인 대응

Common Phrases

피부 탄력

— Skin elasticity/firmness. Used constantly in beauty contexts.

피부 탄력이 떨어졌어요.

회복 탄력성

— Resilience. The ability to bounce back from hardship.

그녀는 회복 탄력성이 대단해요.

가격 탄력성

— Price elasticity. How much demand changes with price.

석유는 가격 탄력성이 낮아요.

탄력 근무제

— Flexible working hours system.

우리 회사는 탄력 근무제를 실시해요.

탄력 운영

— Flexible operation of a program or system.

상황에 따라 탄력 운영을 합니다.

마음의 탄력성

— Mental resilience. Similar to 회복탄력성.

마음의 탄력성을 잃지 마세요.

탄력성을 확보하다

— To secure or ensure flexibility/elasticity.

정책의 탄력성을 확보해야 합니다.

탄력성이 뛰어나다

— To have excellent elasticity.

이 고무는 탄력성이 뛰어납니다.

탄력성을 강화하다

— To strengthen elasticity.

피부 장벽과 탄력성을 강화하다.

수요 탄력성

— Elasticity of demand.

수요 탄력성을 계산해 보세요.

Often Confused With

탄력성 vs 유연성

Flexibility. Use for bending and adapting. 탄력성 is for bouncing back.

탄력성 vs 신축성

Stretchability. Use for clothing size and physical expansion. 탄력성 is for the force of return.

탄력성 vs 회복력

General recovery. '회복탄력성' is the specific psychological capacity.

Idioms & Expressions

"고무줄 탄력성"

— Used to describe something that is extremely flexible or a standard that changes too easily.

그 법은 고무줄 탄력성처럼 적용된다.

Informal/Critical

"탄력을 받다"

— To gain momentum or to start progressing quickly after a slow start.

수출이 드디어 탄력을 받기 시작했다.

Neutral/Business

"탄력이 붙다"

— Very similar to '탄력을 받다', meaning to speed up or gain vigor.

공사가 탄력이 붙어서 빨리 끝날 것 같아요.

Neutral

"스프링 같은 탄력성"

— Describing someone who bounces back from failure immediately.

그는 스프링 같은 탄력성을 가진 사람이다.

Metaphorical

"탄력을 잃은 고무줄"

— Describing something that has lost its usefulness or energy.

그의 열정은 탄력을 잃은 고무줄 같았다.

Literary

"바닥을 치고 튀어오르다"

— While not using the word, it describes the ultimate act of 탄력성 (hitting rock bottom and bouncing back).

경제는 바닥을 치고 탄력적으로 튀어올랐다.

Neutral

"탄력 있는 삶"

— A life that is vibrant and adaptable.

우리는 탄력 있는 삶을 살아야 합니다.

Inspirational

"피부가 탱탱하다"

— An onomatopoeic way to describe high skin elasticity.

피부가 아주 탱탱하시네요!

Informal

"유연하게 대처하다"

— To handle a situation flexibly (often used as a synonym for acting with 탄력성).

상황에 따라 유연하게 대처합시다.

Neutral

"오뚝이 같은 사람"

— A person who is like a roly-poly toy, always standing back up (epitome of resilience).

그는 오뚝이 같은 탄력성을 가졌다.

Informal

Easily Confused

탄력성 vs 유연성

Both mean 'flexibility' in some contexts.

유연성 is about being soft and bendable (like a gymnast). 탄력성 is about being springy and returning to form (like a rubber ball).

그는 몸이 유연해요 (He is flexible). 이 공은 탄력성이 좋아요 (This ball is bouncy).

탄력성 vs 신축성

Both are used for fabrics.

신축성 focuses on the ability to stretch out (like a loose sweater). 탄력성 focuses on the ability to snap back (like tight leggings).

이 티셔츠는 신축성이 좋아요 (This T-shirt stretches well).

탄력성 vs 민감성

Both used in economics.

민감성 is a general reaction to stimuli. 탄력성 is a specific quantitative measure of that reaction.

그는 피부가 민감해요 (He has sensitive skin).

탄력성 vs 가소성

Antonym in physics.

가소성 (Plasticity) means staying deformed after pressure. 탄력성 means returning to the original shape.

찰흙은 가소성이 크다 (Clay has high plasticity).

탄력성 vs 경직성

Direct antonym.

경직성 is being stiff and unable to change. 탄력성 is being able to adapt and recover.

조직의 경직성이 문제다 (The rigidity of the organization is the problem).

Sentence Patterns

N은/는 탄력성이 좋아요.

이 공은 탄력성이 좋아요.

N의 탄력성을 위해 V-아/어 보세요.

피부의 탄력성을 위해 물을 마셔 보세요.

V-려면 탄력성이 필요합니다.

성공하려면 회복탄력성이 필요합니다.

N에 따라 탄력적으로 대응하다.

상황에 따라 탄력적으로 대응하다.

N의 탄력성을 극대화하기 위한 방안.

시스템의 탄력성을 극대화하기 위한 방안.

N은/는 탄력성이 낮아 V-기 어렵다.

수요는 탄력성이 낮아 가격을 내리기 어렵다.

N과 N 사이의 탄력적 균형.

안정과 변화 사이의 탄력적 균형.

N의 탄력성이 한계에 도달하다.

생태계의 탄력성이 한계에 도달하다.

Word Family

Nouns

탄력 (Elasticity/Bounce)

탄성 (Elasticity - physics)

탄력화 (Elasticization/Making flexible)

비탄력성 (Inelasticity)

Verbs

탄력을 주다 (To give elasticity)

탄력을 얻다 (To gain elasticity/momentum)

탄력화하다 (To make flexible)

Adjectives

탄력적이다 (To be elastic/flexible)

비탄력적이다 (To be inelastic/inflexible)

회복 (Recovery)

유연 (Flexibility)

신축 (Stretch and contract)

복원 (Restoration)

반등 (Rebound)

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in health, beauty, and news.

Common Mistakes

Using '탄력성' to mean 'being soft'. → 유연성 or 부드러움
Elasticity isn't just softness; it's the ability to spring back. A marshmallow is soft, but it doesn't have much 탄력성 compared to a rubber ball.
Pronouncing it 'tan-ryeok-seong'. → tal-lyeok-seong
The 'n' sound must change to 'l' because of the following 'r'. This is a mandatory sound change rule in Korean.
Saying '탄력성이 있다' for a person's physical flexibility. → 유연하다
If a person can touch their toes, they are '유연하다'. '탄력성' for a person refers to their skin firmness or mental resilience.
Confusing '탄력성' with '신축성' in all cases. → Use '신축성' for size changes.
While related, '신축성' is better for clothes that fit different sizes. '탄력성' is better for the quality of the material returning to its shape.
Using '탄력성' as a verb. → 탄력성이 있다 or 탄력적이다
탄력성 is a noun. You cannot say '그것은 탄력성해요'. You must use a supporting verb or the adjective form.

Tips

K-Beauty Secret

If you are in a Korean olive young store, look for '탄력' (firming) on the labels. It's the standard term for anti-aging and lifting products.

Adjective Form

Remember to use '탄력적' when you want to describe a noun. '탄력적인 사람' is a flexible person. '탄력성' is the noun itself.

The L-L Sound

Think of the word 'Tally-ho' in English. The 'tal-ly' part is very close to how you should pronounce the start of 탄력성.

Exam Prep

If you are taking the TOPIK exam or studying economics in Korean, '가격 탄력성' is a high-frequency term you must know.

Mental Health

Using '회복탄력성' shows you have a sophisticated vocabulary. It's a great word to use when talking about personal growth.

Word Roots

Recognizing '력' (power) in words like 노력 (effort), 능력 (ability), and 탄력 helps you understand their meanings faster.

Formal Reports

Use '탄력성을 제고하다' (to enhance/improve elasticity) in formal reports to sound highly educated.

Flexibility

In a workplace, saying '탄력적으로 일합시다' (Let's work flexibly) is a polite way to suggest being adaptable.

Construction

For building materials, '탄성' is more common than '탄력성'. Use '탄성' for steel or concrete properties.

Shopping

When buying pants, check if they have '탄력성'. It means they won't get saggy knees after wearing them for a day.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'TAN' (탄) rubber band. It takes 'RYEOK' (력 - power) to stretch it, and its 'SEONG' (성 - nature) makes it snap back.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant neon green rubber band stretching around a globe and snapping back to its perfect circle.

Word Web

Rubber band Skin care Resilience Economics Flexibility Spring Bounce Recovery

Challenge

Try to use '탄력성' in three different ways today: once about your skin, once about your workout clothes, and once about your mood.

Word Origin

Derived from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters): 彈 (탄), 力 (력), and 性 (성).

Original meaning: 彈 (bullet/pluck/bounce) + 力 (power/force) + 性 (nature/quality). Literally: 'The nature of the power to bounce'.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

When discussing skin elasticity, be mindful not to offend older individuals by implying they have lost theirs; focus on 'maintaining' (유지) rather than 'fixing' (수정).

In English, we often use 'resilience' for people and 'elasticity' for things. Korean uses 탄력성 for both, which can feel more poetic or unified to English speakers.

The book 'Resilience' (회복탄력성) by Kim Joo-hwan is a massive bestseller in Korea. K-beauty brands like AmorePacific often base entire marketing campaigns on 'Elasticity Care'. Economic news regarding the 'Price Elasticity of Oil' is a frequent topic in Korean media.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Skincare & Beauty

탄력 케어
탄력이 떨어지다
탱탱한 피부
탄력 에센스

Economics & Business

탄력적 가격 설정
수요의 탄력성
시장 탄력성
노동 시장 유연화

Psychology & Self-help

회복탄력성 지수
마음의 근육
역경 극복
긍정적 사고

Physics & Engineering

탄성 계수
탄성 한계
변형과 복원
재료 역학

Human Resources

탄력 근무제
유연 근무
인력 운영의 탄력성
조직 적응력

Conversation Starters

"피부 탄력성을 유지하는 비결이 있나요? (Do you have a secret to maintaining skin elasticity?)"

"요즘 회복탄력성이라는 말이 유행인데, 어떻게 생각하세요? (The word resilience is popular these days; what do you think?)"

"이 옷은 탄력성이 좋아서 운동할 때 정말 편할 것 같아요. (These clothes have good elasticity, so they seem comfortable for exercising.)"

"경제 위기 상황에서 시장의 탄력성이 얼마나 중요할까요? (How important is market elasticity in an economic crisis?)"

"아이들의 회복탄력성을 길러주기 위해 부모는 무엇을 해야 할까요? (What should parents do to cultivate their children's resilience?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 보여준 회복탄력성에 대해 써보세요. 어려움을 어떻게 이겨냈나요? (Write about the resilience you showed today. How did you overcome difficulties?)

내가 사용하는 화장품 중 피부 탄력성에 가장 효과적인 것은 무엇인가요? (Which of your cosmetics is most effective for skin elasticity?)

우리 사회의 탄력성을 높이기 위해 가장 시급한 변화는 무엇이라고 생각합니까? (What change do you think is most urgent to increase our society's resilience?)

나의 성격은 탄력적인가요, 아니면 경직되어 있나요? 구체적인 예를 들어보세요. (Is your personality elastic or rigid? Give specific examples.)

탄력 근무제가 도입된다면 당신의 일상은 어떻게 바뀔까요? (How would your daily life change if a flexible working system were introduced?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but usually in the form '탄력적이다' (to be flexible/elastic) or '회복탄력성이 좋다' (to have good resilience). It implies they can handle stress and adapt well. For example, '그는 탄력적인 사고를 가진 사람이다' (He is a person with elastic/flexible thinking).

They are essentially the same, but '탄력' is the root noun and '탄력성' is the property/quality. In casual talk about skin, '탄력' is much more common. In a textbook or a report, '탄력성' is preferred. Think of it like 'elastic' vs 'elasticity'.

It is '가격 탄력성'. If you want to say demand is elastic, you say '수요가 탄력적이다'. If demand is inelastic, you say '수요가 비탄력적이다'.

Yes, it describes the 'bounce' in an athlete's movement or the quality of equipment. A basketball player with a high jump is said to have good '탄력'. A tennis racket string's tension is related to its '탄력성'.

Yes, '탄력 근무제' is a flexible work system. '시간을 탄력적으로 사용하다' means to use time flexibly according to the situation.

Almost always positive. It implies strength, health, and adaptability. However, in legal contexts, '고무줄 탄력성' (rubber band elasticity) can be negative, implying a law is applied inconsistently.

Common verbs include 있다 (have), 없다 (not have), 좋다 (be good), 뛰어나다 (be excellent), 잃다 (lose), 회복하다 (recover), 기르다 (cultivate), and 높이다 (increase).

This is a key rule. When 'ㄴ' (n) is followed by 'ㄹ' (r), both become 'ㄹ' (l). So 탄력 is pronounced '탈력' (tal-lyeok). This makes the word flow smoothly.

Yes, for chewy foods like noodles or rice cakes. You can say the noodles have good '탄력' if they are springy and firm.

In psychological and academic contexts, yes. In more general contexts, you might just use '회복력' (recovery power).