Translation guide
The English word 'flip-flop' can refer to a type of sandal, a sudden reversal of opinion or policy, or an electronic circuit. This guide helps learners express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the casual sandal with a Y-shaped strap.
Describing a sudden change in stance, decision, or statement.
Literally 'turning over one's palm', this phrase vividly describes a sudden and complete reversal of attitude or opinion, often with a negative connotation of hypocrisy.
Referring to a bistable multivibrator circuit used in digital electronics.
The most common and natural term for flip-flops in Japanese. Literally 'beach sandals'.
I always wear flip-flops in the summer.
A direct loanword from English, understood but less common than ビーチサンダル. May sound slightly technical or fashion-conscious.
These flip-flops are easy to wear.
Literally 'rubber sandals', an older term that may refer to traditional-style rubber sandals. Not commonly used for modern flip-flops.
When I was a child, I played in the river wearing rubber sandals.
I was surprised by his flip-flop.
Means 'to suddenly change one's attitude'. More formal and descriptive than 手のひら返し.
He flip-flopped in the middle of the meeting.
Literally 'to overturn one's previous statement'. Used for retracting or reversing a previous comment.
The minister flip-flopped and admitted the tax increase.
A noun meaning 'change of principle' or 'apostasy'. Often used in political or ideological contexts, implying betrayal of one's beliefs.
His flip-flop disappointed his supporters.
The standard technical term for a flip-flop circuit. Often shortened to just フリップフロップ in context.
This flip-flop circuit temporarily stores data.