Translation guide
How to express that something becomes twisted, caught, or entangled, either physically or metaphorically.
Describing when long, thin objects like strings, hair, or cables become twisted together and difficult to separate.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to become tangled/entangled'. Used for threads, hair, ropes, etc. getting tangled on their own or around something.
My earphone cord got tangled.
My hair is tangled and the brush won't go through.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to get tangled/twisted'. Often used for threads, strings, or relationships. Implies a more complicated, messy tangle.
The fishing line got tangled up.
Colloquial intransitive verb meaning 'to get tangled up'. Often used for strings, thoughts, or situations. Slightly more casual than 絡まる.
The yarn got all tangled and I can't untangle it.
When a person or object becomes caught or entangled with another object, often by snagging.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to get caught/snagged'. Used when something catches on a protrusion or obstacle.
My sweater got caught on a nail.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to get entangled/twined around'. Often implies something winding around another object.
Describing when a situation, relationship, or one's speech becomes complicated, confused, or entangled.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to get complicated/messy/tangled'. Used for relationships, negotiations, or situations that become difficult.
The discussion got tangled up and wasn't resolved.
Also used metaphorically for relationships or situations becoming tangled/complicated.
Kanji form of もつれる, often used in writing. Same meaning.
When you stumble over your words or your speech becomes confused.
絡まる is the most general and neutral for physical tangling. もつれる implies a more complex, messy tangle and is also used metaphorically. こんがらがる is casual and often used for strings or confused thoughts.
The cord gets tangled / The cord gets all tangled / The problem gets complicated
The English 'get tangled' is intransitive. Do not confuse with transitive verbs like 絡める (からめる, to entangle something) or もつれさせる (to cause to tangle). Use the intransitive forms above.
My foot got tangled in the rope and I fell.
ツタがフェンスに絡んでいる。
The ivy is tangled around the fence.
二人の関係がもつれてしまった。
Their relationship got tangled/complicated.
事態が縺れて収拾がつかない。
The situation got tangled and is out of control.
He drank too much and his tongue is getting tangled.
The thread got tangled / I entangled the thread