noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
Describes a road, path, or river that twists and turns repeatedly, like a mountain pass with many switchbacks. Often used in literary or descriptive contexts.
The mountain road winds in a zigzag, making driving difficult.
After climbing the winding slope, a magnificent view opened up.
Verb meaning 'to wind' or 'to meander'; 九十九折 is a noun/adjectival noun describing the state of being winding, often used for roads.
Means 'meandering' or 'snaking', often used for rivers or movements; 九十九折 specifically implies many sharp turns like a mountain path.
Standard kanji spelling; literally '99 bends', a poetic way to describe a winding path.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling; practical for learners and common in signage.
Ateji spelling using 葛 (kudzu) for its winding vine imagery; rare and literary.
Ateji variant without okurigana; very rare.
Variant with okurigana; less common but still seen.
Mixed kana-kanji without okurigana; less frequent.
From 九十九 (ninety-nine) + 折り (bend), literally '99 bends'. The number 99 is used hyperbolically to indicate countless turns. The spelling 葛折り is ateji, using the character for kudzu vine to evoke a winding shape.