Translation and Meaning of: 転転 - tenten

The Japanese word 転転 (てんてん) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances worth exploring. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and everyday use can be quite useful. In this article, we will delve into the details of this expression, from its writing to practical examples of how it appears in the Japanese language. Here at Suki Nihongo, our dictionary aims to provide accurate and relevant information for those who truly want to learn.

Meaning and use of 転転

転転 is a word that describes a movement or state of constant change, often associated with something that rolls or spins continuously. In English, it can be translated as "rolling" or "spinning," but it also carries the idea of instability or rapid alternation. Its use is more common in informal contexts and frequently appears in descriptions of physical movement or situations that change quickly.

A practical example is when someone says that an object is 転転がる (tentengaru), indicating that it is rolling from side to side. This expression can also be used metaphorically to describe a person who easily changes their mind or lives in constant motion. The versatility of the word makes it useful in both everyday conversations and more poetic descriptions.

Origin and writing of 転転

The word 転転 is composed of the kanji 転, which means "to turn" or "to change." The repetition of the character reinforces the idea of continuity or repetition of movement, something common in the Japanese language. This type of construction, known as reduplication, is often used to emphasize actions or states that extend over time.

It is worth noting that 転 alone carries the meaning of rotation or transformation, but when duplicated, it takes on a more dynamic and sometimes even playful tone. This characteristic makes 転転 a visually expressive word, often associated with situations that involve agitation or a lack of stability.

Tips for memorizing and using 転転

An effective way to reinforce the meaning of 転転 is to associate it with images of rolling objects or scenes of continuous movement. For example, think of a ball rolling down a hill or someone who keeps moving from city to city. This visual connection helps internalize the meaning of the word more naturally.

Another tip is to pay attention to the use of 転転 in animes, mangas, or Japanese dramas, where it often appears in action scenes or casual dialogues. Observing how native speakers use the expression in everyday life can be as valuable as studying its definition in a dictionary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 点 (ten) - Ponto, marca
• 転 (ten) - Turn, change direction
• 天 (ten) - sky, paradise

転転

Romaji: tenten
Kana: てんてん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: rolling; moving from place to place; being passed repeatedly

Meaning in English: rolling about;moving from place to place;being passed around repeatedly

Definition: [Ten ten] 1. Continuous rotation. Also, the situation. dizzy. 2. A game in which two or more people hold hands and sing while spinning. Can be read as "Tenten" or "Tatata". Also written as "tete" and "tenten." [Reference] Circular dance.

Example Sentences - (転転) tenten

See below some example sentences:

町を転転と歩く。

Machi wo tenten to aruku

Transfer and walk around the city.

• 町 - means "city" in Japanese.
• を - is an object particle in Japanese, indicating that "city" is the object of the action.
• 転転 - is a Japanese onomatopoeia meaning "to walk with large, heavy steps".
• と - is a connecting particle in Japanese, indicating that "walk" is made with the sound "転転".
• 歩く - means "to walk" in Japanese.