Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
ひょろける Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
ichidan verb
stagger ; stumble ; be unsteady on one's feet
Describes a weak, tottering gait, often due to fatigue, intoxication, or physical weakness. Conveys a sense of wobbliness or lack of strength in the legs.
い
が
ひょろ
け
ながら
道みち
を
渡わた
っ
て
い
た
。
A drunk was staggering across the street.
Similar words よろける よろける also means to stagger or reel, but ひょろける emphasizes weakness and a thin, wobbly appearance, while よろける is more about losing balance momentarily.
ふらつく ふらつく means to feel dizzy or unsteady, often from illness or dizziness, whereas ひょろける focuses on the physical tottering motion of the legs.
Etymology The origin is uncertain. It may be related to the mimetic word ひょろひょろ (wobbly, tottering), which describes a weak, unsteady movement.
