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.
zigzag pattern
walk in a zigzag
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 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.
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.
ギザギザの葉っぱ
a leaf with a jagged edge
This knife has a serrated blade.
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).
The athlete warmed up with zigzag running.