たわむ

godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb

bend; warp; sag

Describes something long and flexible bending under weight or pressure, such as a branch, shelf, or beam. Often implies a gentle, elastic curve rather than a sharp fold.

• 雪ゆきの重おもみで木きの枝えだがたわんでいる。

  The tree branch is bending under the weight of the snow.

• 本ほん棚だなの板いたが本ほんの重おもさでたわんできた。

  The shelf board has started to sag under the weight of the books.

godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb

lose heart; be discouraged; flag

Figurative use: one's spirit or resolve bends under pressure, similar to 弛む (たるむ). Often used when someone's enthusiasm or determination weakens.

See also: たるむ

• 失しっ敗ぱい続つづきで気き持もちがたわみそうになった。

  After a series of failures, I almost lost heart.