Translation and Meaning of: 反る - kaeru

The Japanese word 反る [かえる] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and uses in everyday Japanese, along with tips to memorize it easily. If you've ever wondered how this word is applied in sentences or its relation to local culture, keep reading to find out.

Meaning and translation of 反る [かえる]

The verb 反る [かえる] has a main meaning related to "turn" or "bend backwards." It is often used to describe objects that curve or return to their original position, such as a sheet of paper that bends or a blade that flexes. The most common translation in Portuguese would be "envergar" or "arquear," depending on the context.

It is important to note that 反る should not be confused with other similar verbs, such as 帰る (to return home) or 変える (to change). Despite having the same pronunciation, the kanji and meanings are completely different. This distinction is essential to avoid misunderstandings when studying Japanese.

Origin and writing of the kanji 反る.

The kanji 反 is composed of the radical "hand" (又) and the element "opposite side", suggesting the idea of turning or inverting something. Historically, this character appeared in classical Chinese texts before being incorporated into Japanese, always with the notion of opposition or reversal. When combined with the verbal suffix る, we have the action of "bending back".

An etymological curiosity is that 反 also appears in words like 反対 (opposition) and 反応 (reaction), reinforcing its sense of contrast. This pattern helps to remember not only 反る but also other terms derived from the same kanji.

How to use 反る in everyday life

In Japanese daily life, 反る is used for both literal and metaphorical situations. For example, it can describe a tree branch bending with the wind or even a person leaning back in a chair. Phrases like "本のページが反る" (the pages of the book bend) illustrate its practical use.

Culturally, the word also appears in expressions that denote resistance or inflexibility. An object that does not 反る (bend) can symbolize firmness, while something that is 反りやすい (easily bendable) may convey fragility. These nuances show how an apparently simple verb reflects important values in Japanese communication.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 反る

• 反る - Verbo: WRITING
• 反る - Formas de conjugação:
  • Present: 反る
  • Past tense: 反った
  • Imperative: 反れ
  • Formal: 反ります
  • Conditional: 反れば

Synonyms and similar words

• 反転する (Hanten suru) - Reverse, invert
• 曲がる (Magaru) - Turn, bend
• 屈曲する (Kukkyoku suru) - Bend, bend over
• 屈む (Kumu) - Bend, squat
• 曲げる (Mageru) - Fold, bend
• 反り返る (Sori kaeru) - To arch, to bend backward
• 反り曲がる (Sori magaru) - Arched, curved
• ひねる (Hineru) - Twist, turn
• ねじる (Nejiru) - Twist, coil
• くねる (Kuneru) - Retort, twist
• しなる (Shinaru) - Bend, curve
• ひしゃげる (Hishageru) - Knead, bend
• うねる (Uneru) - Winding, undulating
• うねりを起こす (Uneri o okosu) - Cause ripples
• うねりを生じる (Uneri o shoujiru) - Generate ripple
• ひしゃげる (Hishageru) - Amass, bend (repeated)
• ひしゃくれる (Hishakureru) - Be crumpled, bent
• ひしゃくれ上がる (Hishakureagaru) - Curved, with raised parts
• ひしゃみ上がる (Hishami agaru) - Raised and crushed
• ひしゃみ返る (Hishami kaeru) - Return to a crushed form
• ひしゃみ曲がる (Hishami magaru) - Dented and curved
• ひしゃみ屈曲する (Hishami kukkyoku suru) - Dented and bent (to bend)
• ひしゃみ屈む (Hishami kumu) - Dented and curved downwards

反る

Romaji: kaeru
Kana: かえる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to change; to turn; turn upside down

Meaning in English: to change;to turn over;to turn upside down

Definition: The bending of something in an arc.

Example Sentences - (反る) kaeru

See below some example sentences:

木材が湿気で反ってしまった。

Mokuzai ga shikke de sorotte shimatta

The wood has warped due to moisture.

The wood was warped with moisture.

• 木材 - Means "wood" in Japanese.
• が - subject particle in Japanese.
• 湿気 - means "moisture" in Japanese.
• で - location particle in Japanese.
• 反ってしまった - is the past form of the verb 反る (sorou), which means "to bow" or "to bend", and the particle しまった (shimatta) indicates that the action was completed in a negative way.

反りがある刀は美しいです。

Kawari ga aru katana wa utsukushii desu

A curved sword is beautiful.

The deformed sword is beautiful.

• 反りがある - curvado
• 刀 - sword
• 美しい - beautiful
• です - Is (verb to be in the present tense)