Translation guide
To move with a smooth, wave-like motion. This concept is often expressed in Japanese through descriptive verbs, onomatopoeia, or metaphorical phrases.
Describing something that moves in a smooth, rising and falling pattern, like waves or a snake.
The most common verb for undulating motion, used for waves, roads, hair, etc. Intransitive.
Describing a body or object moving with a smooth, curving, snake-like motion.
Verb for twisting or wriggling in a sinuous way, often used for snakes, dancers, or winding paths.
Describing a surface that has small, gentle wave-like movements.
Specifically for water surfaces with small ripples. Literally 'ripple-stand'.
湖面がさざ波立っている。
The lake surface is undulating gently.
うねる emphasizes a continuous, rolling wave-like shape or motion (e.g., a snake, a winding road). 波打つ focuses on the action of striking or rippling like waves, often used for things that are moved by wind or water (e.g., a flag, a field of grass).
海岸線がうねっている。
The coastline undulates.
稲穂が風に波打つ。
The ears of rice undulate in the wind.
English 'undulate' is often used in literary or technical contexts. In everyday Japanese, it's more natural to use specific verbs like うねる or onomatopoeia like うねうね, rather than a direct translation. Using 起伏する in casual speech may sound overly formal.
Literally 'to strike like waves', used for surfaces or objects that ripple or undulate, such as flags, fields, or fabric.
旗が風に波打っている。
The flag is undulating in the wind.
Onomatopoeic adverb describing a winding, undulating shape or motion. Often used with する.
うねうねした道
an undulating road
Formal term for undulation, often used for terrain or graphs. Implies rising and falling.
地形が起伏している。
The terrain undulates.
蛇がくねって進む。
The snake undulates forward.
Onomatopoeic adverb for wriggling or winding motion. Often used with する.
彼女はくねくねと踊った。
She danced with undulating movements.
Onomatopoeia for light, fluttering motion, like a flag or leaf undulating in the breeze.
カーテンがひらひら揺れている。
The curtain is undulating gently.