Entry
うねうね
uneune
Describes something that winds or undulates in a series of continuous curves.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Uneune is used to characterize a shape, path, or movement that consists of repeated curves or wave-like patterns. It is most commonly applied to terrain features like mountain passes and rivers, or the movement of long, flexible animals like snakes.
- The shape of a path or line that twists and turns repeatedly.
- The sinuous or undulating movement of long objects.
Sense Map
Terrain and Paths
Used for roads, rivers, or boundaries that have many successive bends.
a winding mountain road
Movement
Describes the wavy or sinuous motion of long, slender things.
a snake moving sinuously
Usage Note
How to Use
うねうねする
Functions as a verb to describe the act of winding or meandering.
うねうねしている
Describes the current state of having a winding or wavy shape.
うねうねした
Adjectival form used before a noun to describe its winding characteristic.
うねうね（と）
Used as an adverb to describe how something moves or extends in a winding manner.
How to Use
Common Phrases
うねうねした道
a winding path
うねうねと続く
to continue windingly
うねうね曲がる
to curve repeatedly
うねうね動く
to move sinuously
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Roads and Rivers | neutral | A common descriptive term in travel and nature writing. |
| Animal Movement | neutral | Specifically describes the way creatures like snakes or eels move. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
くねくね くねくね / similar | Use this when emphasizing flexibility, wriggling, or a more playful/lively movement of a body. | Uneune is more for the physical layout of large objects or terrain. | dancing wrigglingly (くねくね踊る) |
ぐねり ぐねり / contrast | Use for a single, often irregular or sudden bend. | Uneune implies a series of curves that follow a pattern. | the road makes a sharp twist (道がぐねりと曲がっている) |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using uneune for a single corner or turn.
Uneune implies multiple curves. For one turn, use words like kado or magarikado.
Thinking it always implies a negative or difficult path.
While a winding road can be difficult, the word itself is neutral and simply describes the shape.
Examples
Examples
山道がうねうねと続いている。
やまみちがうねうねとつづいている。
The mountain road continues windingly.
VisualDescribes the visual appearance of a road in the mountains.
ヘビが草の中をうねうねと進んでいく。
ヘビがくさのなかをうねうねとすすんでいく。
The snake moves sinuously through the grass.
LiteralThe basic physical movement of a snake.
地図を見ると、川が平野をうねうねと流れている。
ちずをみると、かわがへいやをうねうねとながれている。
Looking at the map, the river flows meanderingly across the plain.
VisualThe pattern of a river flow as seen from above or a map.
煙が空に向かってうねうねと昇っていった。
けむりがそらにむかってうねうねとのぼっていった。
The smoke rose toward the sky in a wavy pattern.
VisualThe movement of smoke that is not straight due to wind or temperature.
入場を待つ人の列がうねうねと長く伸びている。
にゅうじょうをまつひとのれつがうねうねとながくのびている。
The line of people waiting to enter stretches long and winding.
FigurativeMetaphor for a line so long it has to curve around.
Similar Words
ぐねり
guneri
Indicates a single sharp turn rather than a series of curves.
Questions
Can I use uneune for curly hair?
It is possible to describe very wavy hair this way, but other terms like tenpa or uneri are more common for hair specifically.
Is uneune the same as 'zigzag'?
Similar, but uneune implies smoother, rounded curves, whereas 'zigzag' (often mapped to gikugiku or similar) implies sharp, angular turns.
How do I decide between uneune and kunekune?
Choose uneune for static things like roads or the natural movement of animals. Choose kunekune for more flexible, active, or human body movements.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1001040
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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