ねじる

ね

じ

る

JLPTN2Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

1

godan verb (-ru), transitive verb

usually written using kana alone

General physical twisting or turning of an object, often with force. Used for twisting caps, screws, arms, etc.

彼かれは私わたしの腕うでを後うしろにねじった。

He twisted my arm behind my back.

2

godan verb (-ru), transitive verb

usually written using kana alone

Specifically for spraining or twisting a body part such as an ankle or wrist.

ねじるUsage97%
Usually written in kana; the kanji forms 捩る and 捻る are also used but less common.
捩ねじるUsage2%
search-only kanji form
Search-only kanji form.
捻ねじるUsage1%
search-only kanji form
Search-only kanji form.
捩ねじる
Kanji form; less common than kana.
捻ねじる
Kanji form; less common than kana.
拗ねじる
rarely-used kanji form
Rarely used kanji form.

ひねる
ひねる also means 'to twist', but often implies a lighter, more delicate twisting motion, such as twisting a knob or turning a thought over in one's mind. ねじる suggests stronger, more forceful twisting.
よじる
よじる means 'to twist' or 'wrench' with a nuance of distorting or contorting, often used for twisting one's body or a wire out of shape.

The origin is uncertain. It may be related to the mimetic root ねじ (twisting), but the exact derivation is unclear.