Translation guide
To lean back or rest on something, often in a relaxed position. In Japanese, this is expressed with verbs that describe leaning, resting, or lying down, depending on what is being reclined on and the posture.
To lean back in a seat, such as a chair or sofa, often for relaxation.
General verb for leaning on or against something, including reclining on a chair back. Often used with に to mark the object leaned on.
彼は椅子にもたれてリラックスしていた。
He was reclining on the chair and relaxing.
To lean against something heavily, often implying resting one's weight. Can be used for reclining on a sofa or wall.
ソファに寄りかかって本を読んだ。
I reclined on the sofa and read a book.
Specifically leaning back against a backrest. More precise than general leaning.
背もたれに寄りかかって目を閉じた。
I reclined on the backrest and closed my eyes.
To lie down or rest in a reclining position on a flat surface like a bed or floor.
Common phrase meaning to lie down, often for rest. Does not specify the surface, but context implies bed, floor, etc.
疲れたので少し横になった。
I was tired, so I reclined on the bed for a while.
To sprawl or lie down lazily, often on the floor or a sofa. Implies a relaxed, informal posture.
子供たちは床に寝そべってテレビを見ていた。
The kids were reclining on the floor watching TV.
To lie down casually, often rolling onto a surface. Similar to 寝そべる but can imply a more sudden action.
To lean back or rest against another person, often in an affectionate or tired manner.
To lean heavily on someone, often used when tired or seeking comfort. Can be used for reclining on a person's shoulder or lap.
彼女は彼の肩にもたれかかった。
She reclined on his shoulder.
Also used for leaning on a person, similar to もたれかかる but slightly less intimate.
To adjust a seat so that the back tilts backward, as in a car or airplane.
To recline a seat by tilting the backrest. 倒す means to lay down or tilt.
飛行機でシートを倒して寝た。
I reclined my seat on the plane and slept.
Loanword from English 'reclining', used as a verb. Common for adjustable seats.
この椅子はリクライニングできますか？
Can this chair recline?
English 'recline on' often implies a relaxed leaning back, but direct translations like リクラインする are not natural for everyday situations. Use context-appropriate verbs like もたれる or 横になる instead.
I reclined on the grass and looked up at the sky.
疲れて友達に寄りかかった。
Exhausted, I reclined on my friend.