乗り
Meanings
Refers to the act of riding a vehicle or animal, or the quality of the ride itself.
This bicycle gives a very comfortable ride.
Describes how well paint, ink, or cosmetics spread or adhere to a surface.
This lipstick spreads well and gives good color in one stroke.
-seater
Suffix attached to numbers to indicate seating capacity, e.g. 二人乗り (two-seater).
We rented a two-seater kayak.
Colloquial use for getting into the swing of things, high spirits, or a lively atmosphere. Often written in katakana as ノリ. Possibly derived from 気乗り.
He's always in good spirits and livens up the party.
This song has a great rhythm, so I can't help wanting to dance.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉の乗りがいいpaint, ink, or makeup spreads/adheres well onto something
This foundation goes on the skin very smoothly.
- 〈数〉人乗りseating capacity for a given number of people
This sports car is a two-seater.
- 乗りがいいto be in high spirits; have a lively, easygoing vibe
He's always so upbeat, so parties get lively with him around.
- 〈場所〉の乗りでcarried along by the mood/atmosphere of the moment or place
I got carried away by the mood of the moment and said something reckless.
Expressions
- 乗りに乗るbe on a roll; be on a winning streak; be in a great groove
- 船乗りになるgo to sea; become a sailor
- 乗りかかった船in for a penny, in for a pound; having gone too far to turn back
- 煽てと畚には乗り易いit's dangerous to fall for flattery