Translation guide
A somersault is an acrobatic movement where the body rolls forward or backward, with the head going down and the feet going over the head. In Japanese, the most common word is でんぐり返し (forward roll), but there are different terms for forward/backward, in the air, and in martial arts contexts.
A basic forward roll where you tuck your head and roll along the ground.
The most common, everyday word for a forward somersault/roll. Used especially by children and in casual contexts.
子供が公園ででんぐり返しをしている。
The children are doing somersaults in the park.
Formal term for a forward roll, often used in gymnastics or physical education.
体育の授業で前転の練習をした。
We practiced forward rolls in PE class.
Verb form meaning 'to do a somersault'. Less common than the noun form.
芝生の上ででんぐり返った。
I did a somersault on the grass.
A roll where you go backwards over your head.
Standard term for a backward roll, used in gymnastics and everyday contexts.
後転ができるようになりたい。
I want to be able to do a backward roll.
A more descriptive, less technical phrase for a backward roll. Often used with children.
後ろ回りを教えてあげる。
I'll teach you how to do a backward roll.
An acrobatic flip performed in the air, such as a front flip or backflip.
General term for an aerial somersault or flip. Can refer to front flips, backflips, etc.
体操選手が美しい宙返りを披露した。
The gymnast performed a beautiful somersault in the air.
Specifically a front flip.
前方宙返りは難しい技だ。
A front flip is a difficult move.
Specifically a backflip.
彼は後方宙返りを完璧に決めた。
He executed a perfect backflip.
Common term for a back handspring or backflip, often used in street gymnastics or casual contexts.
バク転の練習を毎日している。
I practice backflips every day.
A forward or backward roll used in martial arts like judo or aikido to break a fall.
The general term for breakfall techniques, which include rolling forward/backward to absorb impact.
柔道ではまず受け身を習う。
In judo, you first learn how to break your fall.
Specifically a forward breakfall/roll.
前受け身を練習する。
Practice forward breakfalls.
Specifically a backward breakfall/roll.
後ろ受け身が上手にできた。
I did a good backward breakfall.
でんぐり返し is the everyday word for a forward roll, often used by children. 前転 is the formal term used in gymnastics or physical education. In casual conversation, でんぐり返し is more natural.
子供の頃、よくでんぐり返しをして遊んだ。
When I was a child, I often played doing somersaults.
テストでは前転と後転をします。
In the test, we will do forward rolls and backward rolls.
In diving, a somersault is called 回転 (かいてん) or specifically 宙返り, but the scoring terminology uses numbers like '1回転半' (one and a half somersaults). For general diving flips, 宙返り is understood.