ばね
also: ぜんまい
Meanings
A mechanical spring, such as a coil or leaf spring. The reading ぜんまい specifically refers to a spiral spring or mainspring.
This toy works by a spring.
The clock's mainspring has wound down.
springiness; bounce; resilience
Only with reading ばね / バネ
Refers to the spring-like quality in one's legs or body, often used in sports or physical descriptions. Only used with the reading ばね.
He can jump high because he has springs in his legs.
These shoes have good bounce and are easy to run in.
springboard; impetus; catalyst
Only with reading ばね / バネ
Figurative use: something that provides momentum or a starting point for further action. Only used with the reading ばね.
He used his failure as a springboard to success.
That experience became the impetus for his life.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉にばねを取り付けるto attach a spring to something
I attached a spring to the door so it closes automatically.
- 足のばねを利かせるto use the spring in one's legs (to jump, run, etc.)
He used the spring in his legs to jump high.
- 〈事〉をばねにするto turn something (e.g. failure) into a springboard for further action
He turned his failure into a springboard and won the next match.
- ばねが強い／弱いthe spring is strong/weak
This mattress has a strong spring, so it's comfortable to sleep on.