Translation and Meaning of: 捻じれる - nejireru

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 捻じれる (ねじれる). It appears in various contexts, from physical descriptions to metaphorical expressions. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and uses in daily Japanese life, as well as tips for memorizing it efficiently. Whether to expand your vocabulary or understand cultural nuances, this guide will help.

Meaning and use of 捻じれる

The word 捻じれる (ねじれる) is a Japanese verb that means "to twist," "to bend," or "to contort." It describes both physical actions, such as a wire that gets twisted, as well as abstract situations, like emotions or relationships that become complicated. For example, one might say that a steel cable 捻じれている (is twisted) or that a discussion 捻じれた (has become distorted).

In daily life, Japanese people frequently use this word to indicate something that has deviated from its original state, whether literally or figuratively. It is common to hear it in conversations about mechanical issues, interpersonal conflicts, or even in descriptions of art, such as paintings with twisted lines.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 捻 (ねじ) is composed of the radical 扌(てへん), related to manual actions, and 念 (nen), which conveys the idea of "thought" or "twisting." On the other hand, じれる comes from the verb 痙れる (じれる), which also refers to contortions or irritations. This combination reinforces the meaning of something that distorts physically or emotionally.

It is worth noting that 捻じれる is often written in hiragana (ねじれる) in everyday contexts, especially in informal situations. However, the kanji version is more commonly used in formal or technical texts, such as repair manuals or literature.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

A practical way to remember 捻じれる is to associate it with everyday objects that twist, like headphone cables or hoses. Another tip is to recall the sound "neji," present in ねじ (screw), which also involves a rotational movement. This sound connection helps to link the word to something concrete.

Culturally, 捻じれる appears in expressions such as 捻じれた性格 (twisted personality), used to describe someone with complex traits. In media, it is common in suspense narratives or psychological dramas, reinforcing the idea of internal conflicts. One example is the anime "Monster," where characters have "twisted" motivations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• ねじれる (nejireru) - twist, curl up
• よじれる (yojireru) - twist, roll (with an upward or downward movement)
• まがれる (mageru) - bend, curve (suggesting a change of direction)
• くねる (kuneru) - to twist, to move in a sinuous way

捻じれる

Romaji: nejireru
Kana: ねじれる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to twist; to move away

Meaning in English: to twist;to wrench;to screw

Definition: To twist something. Moreover, my suicide has changed.