Translation and Meaning of: 縮れる - chidireru

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about specific words, you may have come across the term 縮れる (ちぢれる). This word, which describes something shriveled or wavy, appears in everyday contexts and even in descriptions of objects and hair. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in the Japanese language, as well as tips for memorizing it correctly.

Understanding 縮れる goes beyond simple translation. Its usage reflects particularities of Japanese culture, from common expressions to its representation in kanji. If you want to learn how to apply it in sentences or discover why it is so useful, keep reading to uncover all the details.

Meaning and usage of 縮れる

The word 縮れる (ちぢれる) describes something that is shriveled, wavy, or frizzy. It is often used to refer to curly hair, fabrics that have shrunk after washing, or surfaces that have lost their original shape. Unlike 縮む (ちぢむ), which indicates shrinking due to external action, 縮れる has a more passive sense, like a natural state or result of a process.

A practical example is when someone says "髪が縮れている" (かみがちぢれている), indicating that the hair is curly. Another common use appears in "セーターが縮れた" (せーたーがちぢれた), describing a sweater that shrank after being washed. These applications show how the word is present in the daily life of the Japanese.

Origin and writing in kanji

The kanji 縮 (しゅく) in 縮れる carries the idea of "shrinking" or "reducing." It is composed of the radical 糸 (いと), which means "thread," suggesting a connection to fabrics or things that can contract. This same kanji appears in other words such as 縮小 (しゅくしょう, "reduction") and 短縮 (たんしゅく, "shortening"), reinforcing its primary meaning.

It is worth noting that 縮れる is an ichidan (一段動詞) verb, which means that its conjugation follows a more regular pattern compared to godan verbs. This makes it easier for students to learn, as you simply need to remove the final る to form the verb root. For example, the negative form would be 縮れない (ちぢれない).

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to remember 縮れる is to associate it with concrete situations. Imagine a sweater that shrank in the washing machine or a piece of paper that became wavy after getting wet. These images help to solidify the meaning more naturally. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as "この布は縮れやすい" (このぬのはちぢれやすい, "This fabric shrinks easily").

Interestingly, 縮れる is not an extremely common word in modern Japanese, but it appears in specific contexts, especially in descriptions of textures and materials. Its use is more frequent in informal conversations and in care instructions for clothing, which makes it relevant for those looking to expand their practical vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 縮れる

• 縮れる base form
• 縮れます Polite way
• 縮れた past
• 縮れない Negative
• 縮れている Present continuous

Synonyms and similar words

• 縮まる (chijimaru) - To shorten, to become smaller.
• 縮む (chijimu) - Shrink, reduce in size.
• 縮れる (chijireru) - Shrink or wave, especially in relation to hair or fabrics.
• 縮こまる (chijikomaru) - Shrink, huddle, especially due to shyness or fear.
• 縮れ (chijire) - The state of being curled or wavy.
• 縮れ曲がる (chijiremagaru) - Shrink and twist.
• 縮れ巻く (chijiremaku) - Shrink and roll.
• 縮れ上がる (chijireagaru) - Shrink and rise, elevate oneself in a shrunken state.
• 縮れ下がる (chijiresagaru) - Shrink and descend, fall into a shriveled state.
• 縮れ伸びる (chijirenobiru) - Shrink and stretch.
• 縮れ戻る (chijiremadoru) - Return to the collapsed state.
• 縮れるようになる (chijireru you ni naru) - Start to shrink, become in a shriveled state.
• 縮れるように見える (chijireru you ni mieru) - It seems to be shriveled.
• 縮れるようになった (chijireru you ni natta) - It began to shrink.
• 縮れるようになっている (chijireru you ni natte iru) - It is in a state of shrinking.
• 縮れるように感じる (chijireru you ni kanjiru) - Feeling as if you are shrunk.
• 縮れるように思える (chijireru you ni omoeru) - It seems to be shriveled; it gives the impression of shrinking.
• 縮れるようになる前に (chijireru you ni naru mae ni) - Before starting to shrink.
• 縮れるようになる前に注意する (chijireru you ni naru mae ni chuui suru) - Be careful before you start shrinking.

縮れる

Romaji: chidireru
Kana: ちぢれる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: be wavy; be curled

Meaning in English: to be wavy;to be curled

Definition: Wavy hair texture.

Example Sentences - (縮れる) chidireru

See below some example sentences:

髪が縮れるのが嫌だ。

Kami ga shiboreru no ga iyada

I don't like it when my hair is curled.

I don't want my hair to shrink.

• 髪 (kami) - hair
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 縮れる (chijireru) - shrink, curl
• の (no) - Possession particle
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 嫌 (iya) - hate, dislike
• だ (da) - Verb to be/estar in the present