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こねくり回す (こねくりまわす) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
knead thoroughly ; work with the fingers ; twist and turn
Emphasizes persistent, often messy or excessive kneading, twisting, or fiddling with something using the hands. The こねくり part adds a nuance of repeated, fussy motion.
かんが
え
事ごと
を
し
ながら
、
ハンカチ
を
こねくり
回まわ
し
て
い
た
。
He was twisting and turning his handkerchief while thinking.
Written forms こねくり 回まわ す
Standard kanji-kana mixed spelling.
捏こ ねくり 回まわ す
rarely-used kanji form
Rarely used kanji form; the first kanji is uncommon.
Similar words こねる こねる is the simple verb 'to knead'. こねくり回す adds the nuance of persistent, repetitive, or excessive kneading/twisting.
いじくり 回まわ す いじくり回す means 'to fiddle with' or 'tinker with', often for small objects or devices. こねくり回す focuses more on kneading or twisting soft materials.
Etymology Compound of こねる (knead) with the mimetic/adverbial element くり (indicating twisting or turning) and 回す (turn, rotate). The exact derivation of こねくり is uncertain, but it likely developed as an emphatic, repetitive form.