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.
山道は九十九折になっていて、車の運転が難しい。
The mountain road winds in a zigzag, making driving difficult.
九十九折の坂道を登りきると、絶景が広がっていた。
After climbing the winding slope, a magnificent view opened up.
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.