1.
flexibility, accommodation, adaptability
The ability or willingness to adjust rules, procedures, or expectations to fit the situation.
融通が利く。
To be flexible.
もう少し融通を利かせてくれませんか。
Could you be a bit more flexible?
あの会社は融通が利かないので、例外は認められない。
That company is inflexible, so exceptions are not allowed.
2.
lending, financing, providing funds
The act of lending money or arranging financial accommodation.
資金を融通する。
To provide funds.
友人にお金を融通してもらった。
I had a friend lend me money.
銀行から融通を受けて事業を始めた。
I received financing from the bank and started a business.
KEY PATTERNS:
- 融通が利く: to be flexible, to be accommodating
- 融通が利かない: to be inflexible, rigid
- 融通を利かせる: to exercise flexibility
- 資金を融通する: to provide/arrange funds
USAGE:
Sense 1 is the most common in everyday conversation. The phrase 融通が利く is used to describe people, organizations, or systems. The negative form 融通が利かない (inflexible) is very frequent.
Sense 2 is used in business and financial contexts, often as a する verb.