How to say "sway" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 揺れるゆれるichidan verb, intransitive verbThe basic intransitive word for something physically swaying, rocking or swinging in place, such as trees, branches or buildings in wind or an earthquake. It describes the movement itself and is neutral in nuance.
- 揺らぐゆらぐgodan verb, intransitive verbSwaying with a sense of wavering or instability, used both of things trembling unsteadily and, very commonly, of confidence, beliefs or a position being shaken figuratively. It carries a nuance of something losing its firmness.
- 揺るがすゆるがすgodan verb, transitive verbA transitive verb: to shake or sway something, often with the nuance of rocking it to its foundations. It is frequent in figurative uses like shaking society, the foundations of something, or people's hearts.
- 揺さぶるゆさぶるgodan verb, transitive verbAlso transitive, but stronger and more violent than 揺るがす: to shake or jolt something back and forth with force, and figuratively to shock or emotionally unsettle a person. For simple physical swaying it is seldom the word you want.
For physical movement choose 「揺れる」; 「揺らぐ」 suggests wavering or being shaken; 「揺るがす」 is transitive, shaking something strongly including figuratively; 「揺さぶる」 emphasizes violent jolt or emotional shock.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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