灵活 (líng huó) is an adjective meaning 'flexible' or 'agile'. It combines 灵 (líng), which conveys quickness, alertness, or responsiveness—often associated with spirit or intuition—and 活 (huó), meaning 'alive', 'lively', or 'active'. Together, they describe something or someone that adapts easily, moves or thinks smoothly, and responds well to changing conditions. It’s commonly used to describe people’s thinking, physical movement, work methods, or scheduling.

The word carries a positive, commendatory tone—it suggests competence, resourcefulness, and efficiency. While it can refer to physical agility (e.g., a gymnast’s movements), it’s more frequently applied to mental or procedural flexibility: flexible plans, adaptable strategies, or open-minded approaches. It’s neutral in register—appropriate in both spoken and written Chinese, from casual conversation to formal reports.