Translation guide
Describes movement or shape that goes back and forth in sharp turns, like a zigzag pattern. Japanese has several onomatopoeic and descriptive words for this, as well as verbs for moving in a zigzag manner.
To describe the action of moving forward while repeatedly turning left and right at sharp angles, like a snake or a skier.
The car zigzagged along the narrow road.
Literally 'snake-move', this verb means to meander or zigzag like a snake. Often used for rivers, roads, or vehicles moving in a winding manner.
The drunk is walking in a zigzag.
A more technical term for 'zigzag driving/running', often used in sports or driving contexts.
The skier zigzagged down the slope.
To describe something that has a zigzag form, like a line, road, or design.
A zigzag pattern. 模様 means 'pattern' or 'design'.
The cloth has a zigzag pattern.
An onomatopoeic word describing a jagged or notched edge, like a sawtooth or zigzag. Often used for serrated edges or sharp zigzag lines.
Literally 'lightning shape', this refers to a sharp zigzag pattern like a lightning bolt. Used in design or description.
The lightning-bolt pattern is cool.
To use onomatopoeia to vividly describe the zigzag motion or appearance.
The loanword itself can be used as an adverb or noun meaning 'zigzag'. Very common and versatile.
The road is zigzagging.
Onomatopoeia for winding or meandering, often with a sense of sinuous or twisting motion. Can imply a more curved zigzag rather than sharp angles.
ジグザグ implies sharp, angular turns like a 'Z' shape. 蛇行 suggests a smoother, snake-like winding, often used for rivers or drunken walking. くねくね is more about sinuous curves and can also describe a person's swaying movement.
a zigzag line (sharp angles)
the river meanders (smooth curves)
a winding road (curvy, not necessarily sharp)
ギザギザの線を引いてください。
Draw a zigzag line.
山道がくねくねと続いている。
The mountain path zigzags on.