波に乗っている
nami ni notte iru
The English phrase 'on a roll' can be translated into Japanese as 波に乗っている (nami ni notte iru).
波に乗っている can be used both literally to describe surfing a wave and metaphorically to describe someone experiencing a streak of success or progress in business, sports or other activities.
Meaning: having a streak of good luck or good progress or success (prep_phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means 'is riding a wave'.
Which one should you use?
While 波に乗っている describes the state of being on a roll, the phrase 連勝中 is an informal way to specifically say one is 'in a winning streak'. Additionally, the informal phrase 調子に乗ってる means riding on good form or can also mean getting carried away with success.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form 波に乗る describes the action of getting on a roll or catching a wave, whereas the progressive form 波に乗っている describes the state of currently being on a roll.
How do you pronounce it?
nami ni notte iru
Did you know?
- While 波に乗っている is purely positive, the similar phrase 調子に乗っている is often used as a criticism to describe someone who has become arrogant or overconfident.
- The phrase 波に乗る can be used literally for surfing, but it is also the standard term for when a musician finally finds the 'groove' of a song.
- The component 乗り in 波に乗る comes from the same root as 'to ride' or 'to board' a train or a bus, applying a physical transit verb to an abstract concept of luck.
Examples in context
- 最近の営業成績は好調な勢いを見せています。Our recent sales performance has shown favorable momentum.
- 彼はゲーム大会で連勝中だ。He's on a winning streak in the gaming tournament.
- 彼は今、波に乗っている。Kare wa ima, nami ni notte iru.He is on a roll right now.
- 最近、仕事で波に乗っている。Saikin, shigoto de nami ni notte iru.I am on a roll with work lately.
- このチームは波に乗っているね。Kono chiimu wa nami ni notte iru ne.This team is on a roll, isn't it?
Example conversation
Two coworkers are talking about a successful project at the office.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔さんは、今波に乗っているね。Hiroto-san wa, ima nami ni notte iru ne.Hiroto, you are on a roll right now.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとうございます。絶好調です！Arigatou gozaimasu. Zekkoucho desu!Thank you. I am in top form!
- 美咲 Misakiこの調子で、次の案件も頑張ろう。Kono choushi de, tsugi no anken mo ganbarou.Let's keep this momentum and do our best on the next project.
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、美咲さんも応援してください。Hai, Misaki-san mo ouen shite kudasai.Yes, please cheer me on, Misaki.
