ひねる
hineru
The Japanese word for 'twist' is ひねる (hineru).
The word is used to describe an unexpected turn in a story or tale. While ひねる functions as the verb, the noun form ひねり is used to refer to the 'twist' itself in a narrative context.
Meaning: unexpected turn in a story, tale, etc (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ひねる is the verb 'to twist', the noun ひねり is used for the 'twist' in a story. For a more dramatic or common way to describe a sudden, unexpected plot twist, the idiom どんでん返し is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb form is ひねる, but when you want to refer to the 'twist' as a noun in a narrative, you use the form ひねり.
How do you pronounce it?
hineru
Did you know?
- The more dramatic term for a plot twist, どんでん返し, literally translates to 'overturning a rice paddy field'.
- The word ひねる is also used when someone 'twists' or 'turns' their nose, often used to describe a look of disdain or arrogance.
- While ひねる can mean to twist a physical object, using it to describe a person's personality implies they are 'twisted' or devious.
Examples in context
- 木材が湿気でゆがんでしまった。The wood warped due to humidity.
- 猫が体をよじった。The cat twisted its body.
- 時計のねじを巻く。To wind the clock.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are discussing a novel they both read.
- 蓮 Renこの小説、もう読んだ？kono shousetsu, mou yonda?Did you read this novel already?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、最後の方にひねる展開があって驚いたよ。un, saigo no hou ni hineru tenkai ga atte odoroita yo.Yes, I was surprised by the twist toward the end.
- 蓮 Renやっぱりあそこが一番面白いよね。yappari asoko ga ichiban omoshiroi yo ne.That part really is the most interesting, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yui蓮君もあそこで予想外だったでしょ。Ren-kun mo asoko de yosougai datta desho.It was unexpected for you too, Ren.
