たわむ

た

わ

む

Meanings

1

godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb

usually written using kana alone

Describes something long and flexible bending under weight or pressure, such as a branch, shelf, or beam. Often implies a gentle, elastic curve rather than a sharp fold.

雪ゆきの重おもみで木きの枝えだがたわんでいる。
The tree branch is bending under the weight of the snow.

本ほん棚だなの板いたが本ほんの重おもさでたわんできた。

The shelf board has started to sag under the weight of the books.

2

godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb

lose heart; be discouraged; flag

usually written using kana alone

Figurative use: one's spirit or resolve bends under pressure, similar to 弛む (たるむ). Often used when someone's enthusiasm or determination weakens.

Written forms

たわむUsage75%
Usually written in kana; the kanji forms 撓む and 橈む are rare and may not be recognized by many readers.
撓たわむUsage25%
Rare kanji form; the character 撓 is not commonly used.
橈たわむ
irregular kanji usage
Irregular kanji usage; 橈 is not standard for this word.

Kanji

撓bend, train, lithe
橈oar, scull, paddle

Similar words

弛たるむ
弛む (たるむ) also means to slacken or lose tension, but it is more commonly used for physical slackness (e.g., a rope) or mental relaxation. たわむ emphasizes bending under weight, while たるむ emphasizes looseness.
曲まがる
曲がる (まがる) is a general word for bending or turning, often implying a change in direction or shape. たわむ specifically suggests a flexible, elastic bend under load.

Etymology

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