弾み
Meanings
Physical bounce or spring of an object, such as a ball or a spring. Often used in phrases like 弾みがつく (to gain bounce/momentum).
The ball hit the ground and bounced up.
This spring has a strong bounce.
Figurative momentum or impetus that carries an action forward, often from a preceding event. Common in 弾みで (on the spur of the moment) and 弾みがつく (to gain momentum).
In the momentum of the conversation, I accidentally revealed the secret.
Once you succeed, the work gains momentum.
impulse; spur of the moment; chance
Refers to a momentary impulse or the instant when something happens, often used in the phrase 弾みで (on the spur of the moment, by chance).
I tripped on a slight impulse (by chance).
Our hands touched by chance (in the spur of the moment).
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉の弾みでcarried along by the momentum of doing ~; as a result of the momentum from ~
Carried by the momentum of running, I tripped on a stone and fell.
- ふとした弾みでby a slight, unexpected turn of events; on a chance impulse
By a chance turn of events, I ran into an old friend.