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.
この道はジグザグだ。
This road is zigzag.
ジグザグの模様
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.
ギザギザの葉っぱ
a leaf with a jagged edge
このナイフは刃がギザギザしている。
This knife has a serrated blade.
A technical term meaning 'serrated' or 'saw-toothed', used in botany, engineering, etc. Not for everyday use.
鋸歯状の葉縁
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.
酔っ払いがジグザグに歩いている。
The drunk is walking in a zigzag.
車がジグザグに走った。
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).
スキーヤーがジグザグに滑った。
The skier zigzagged down.
Literally 'snake-move', means to meander or zigzag. Often used for rivers, roads, or vehicles moving erratically.
川が蛇行している。
The river zigzags.
車が蛇行運転をしていた。
The car was weaving (zigzagging).
A more formal or technical term for zigzag driving or running, used in sports or traffic contexts.
選手はジグザグ走行でウォームアップした。
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