Translation guide
The act of crushing something into wrinkles or folds, or the state of collapsing or giving way. This guide covers physical crumpling of paper, fabric, etc., as well as metaphorical uses like collapsing from exhaustion or defeat.
To crush something into a wrinkled or folded mass, typically with hands.
General verb for crumpling something into a ball or wad, like paper or cloth.
He crumpled the paper and threw it into the trash can.
To crumple or scrunch something up, often implying a messy or careless action. Very common in casual speech.
I crumpled the letter and put it in my pocket.
To crumple by rubbing or kneading, often used for paper or fabric to soften or wrinkle it.
Crumple the paper to soften it.
To crush something by gripping it tightly, often implying destruction or forceful crumpling.
He angrily crumpled the paper in his fist.
To fall down or collapse suddenly, often due to weakness, exhaustion, or structural failure.
To collapse, crumble, or give way. Used for buildings, structures, or a person's posture.
Exhausted, he crumpled to the ground.
To fall down heavily, often used for a person collapsing from fatigue or shock.
To sink down or collapse in a sitting position, often from exhaustion or defeat.
For a face to suddenly show distress, sadness, or pain, often by wrinkling or contorting.
To scrunch up one's face, often when about to cry or in pain.
Her face crumpled with sadness and she cried.
For one's face to distort or twist, often from pain or strong emotion.
His face crumpled in pain.
丸める implies rolling or shaping into a ball, while くしゃくしゃにする focuses on the messy, wrinkled result. Use 丸める for deliberate crumpling into a wad, and くしゃくしゃにする for casual scrunching.
English 'crumple' for a person collapsing is often translated as 崩れる or 倒れ込む, not a direct equivalent of 'crumple'. Using 丸める for a person would be incorrect.
She crumpled the note and threw it away.
The old building crumpled in the earthquake.
He crumpled to the floor upon hearing the news.
マラソンの後、彼は道端にへたり込んだ。
After the marathon, he crumpled by the roadside.