とんぼ返り
tonbogayeri
The Japanese word for somersault is とんぼ返り (tonbogayeri).
とんぼ返り refers to the act of going head over heels, a somersault.
Meaning: the act of going head over heels (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
tonbogayeri
Did you know?
- While とんぼ返り describes the physical flip, the phrase とんぼ返りする is also used idiomatically to describe a trip where someone returns home immediately after arriving at their destination.
- Japanese has multiple words for flips, but とんぼ返り specifically evokes a 'snap-back' motion, unlike the word 宙返り chūgaeri, which describes a more general mid-air rotation.
- The term implies the way a dragonfly flies, specifically its ability to suddenly turn back and change direction in mid-air.
Example conversation
Two children are playing in the living room.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太、とんぼ返りができる？Youta, tonbogari ga dekiru?Youta, can you do a somersault?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、見ててね！un, mitete ne!Yeah, watch me!
- 陽葵 Himariすごい！かっこいいとんぼ返りだね。sugoi! kakkoii tonbogari da ne.Amazing! That was a cool somersault.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、陽葵！arigatou, Himari!Thanks, Himari!
