How to say "winding" in Japanese

• うねりCommon
  nounCovers the winding of a road, coastline, or terrain as a gentle, rolling undulation — smooth sweeping curves rather than sharp bends. Usually written in kana alone.
• 曲折きょくせつCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbDescribes a course that bends back and forth — winding with distinct, often sharp bends, hence also the twists and turns of a story or process.
• 屈折くっせつJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbFundamentally bending or curving — the bending of light, or a line changing direction — rather than a course winding back and forth. Seldom the word you want for a winding road.
• 巻まきJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounThe winding of a mechanism: turning something to wind it up, as with a watch. Not used for a road or path that winds.
• 延々えんえんCommon
  taru-adjective, adverb (with と)Describes a road or course that goes on and on in a long, sinuous line, emphasizing endless continuation more than the shape of the individual bends.
  アマゾン川かわは延々えんえんと北きたブラジルを流ながれている。↗

  The Amazon River meanders through northern Brazil.

For a winding road or course, use 「うねり」 for gentle undulation, 曲折 for zigzag bends, 延々 for a long sinuous stretch; 巻き is winding something up like a watch, while 屈折 is bending or curving, not winding.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• うねりundulation
• 曲折きょくせつbending
• 屈折くっせつbending
• ワインディングwinding (e.g. electrical)
• くねくねwinding
• うねうねwinding
• 紆余うよmeandering
• 九十九折つづらおりwinding
• 羊腸ようちょうwinding
• 巻線まきせんwinding (coil, armature, etc.)
• 巻き取りまきとりtaking up
• 迂曲うきょくmeandering
• 詰屈きっくつbending
• 巻き上げまきあげlifting
• 巻まきwinding (e.g. watch)
• 延々えんえんmeandering
• 巻き返しまきかえしwinding (thread, etc.)