Translation guide
The English word 'rebound' can refer to physical bouncing back, emotional recovery, or a relationship that starts soon after a breakup. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing something that bounces back after hitting a surface, like a ball or an object.
Recovering from a setback, such as a drop in mood, health, or finances.
Starting a new romantic relationship shortly after a breakup, often to distract from pain.
Direct translation of 'rebound relationship'. Widely understood among younger Japanese speakers.
それはただのリバウンド関係だよ。
That's just a rebound relationship.
While 跳ね返る is correct for physical bouncing, using it for emotional recovery sounds unnatural. Use 立ち直る or 回復する instead.
彼はすぐに立ち直った。
He rebounded quickly.
Intransitive verb meaning to bounce back or rebound. Commonly used for balls, light, sound, etc.
ボールが壁に当たって跳ね返った。
The ball hit the wall and rebounded.
Transitive verb meaning to bounce something back or repel. Used when a surface or person causes the rebound.
彼はボールを跳ね返した。
He rebounded the ball.
Loanword from English, used mainly in sports contexts like basketball, or in dieting to mean weight regain.
彼はリバウンドを取った。
He grabbed the rebound.
To recover emotionally or mentally; to get back on one's feet. Often used after a failure or depression.
彼は失恋から立ち直った。
He rebounded from the heartbreak.
General term for recovery, used for health, economy, etc. More formal than 立ち直る.
景気が回復した。
The economy rebounded.
To improve after a decline; often used for market prices, condition, or mood.
株価が持ち直した。
Stock prices rebounded.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'a romance to heal wounds'. More explanatory than リバウンド関係.
彼女は傷を癒すための恋愛をしている。
She's in a rebound relationship.
In casual speech, リバウンド can be used as a prefix, e.g., リバウンド彼氏 (rebound boyfriend). Not standard but understood.
リバウンド彼氏を作った。
I got a rebound boyfriend.