Translation guide
Describes a pattern or movement with sharp alternating turns, like a Z shape. In Japanese, this is expressed with mimetic words, nouns, or verbs depending on whether you're describing a shape, a path, or an action.
Describing something that has a zigzag form, like a line, road, or design.
The most direct and common loanword for 'zigzag', used as a noun or na-adjective. Works for shapes, patterns, and movements.
This road is zigzag.
a zigzag pattern
A mimetic word for a jagged or notched edge, like a sawtooth or serrated line. Often used for physical edges or surfaces.
a leaf with a jagged edge
This knife has a serrated blade.
A technical term meaning 'serrated' or 'saw-toothed', used in botany, engineering, etc. Not for everyday use.
serrated leaf margin
Describing something moving in a zigzag, like a person walking, a car driving, or a lightning bolt.
The standard way to say 'move in a zigzag'. Use ジグザグに + verb of motion.
The drunk is walking in a zigzag.
The car drove in a zigzag.
Refers specifically to a zigzag path or road that winds back and forth, like a mountain switchback. Often used for hiking trails.
Means 'lightning', but often used metaphorically to describe a zigzag line or movement, like 'lightning bolt' in English.
Expressing the action of moving in a zigzag pattern.
The most natural way to say 'to zigzag'. Use ジグザグに with verbs like 歩く (walk), 走る (run), 進む (advance), 飛ぶ (fly).
The skier zigzagged down.
Literally 'snake-move', means to meander or zigzag. Often used for rivers, roads, or vehicles moving erratically.
The river zigzags.
A more formal or technical term for zigzag driving or running, used in sports or traffic contexts.
The athlete warmed up with zigzag running.
ジグザグ is the general word for zigzag, like a Z-shaped line. ギザギザ emphasizes a jagged, saw-toothed edge, often used for physical objects like leaves or blades. Use ジグザグ for paths and movements, ギザギザ for notched edges.
山道はつづら折りになっている。
The mountain path zigzags.
稲妻のようなジグザグ
a zigzag like a lightning bolt
車が蛇行運転をしていた。
The car was weaving (zigzagging).