紆余曲折(うよきょくせつ)

うよきょくせつ
noun
twists and turns; complications; ups and downs
abstractchange
1. twists and turns; complications
A complicated process with many changes, setbacks, and difficulties along the way.
紆余曲折(うよきょくせつ)を経(へ)てようやく完成(かんせい)した。
After many twists and turns, it was finally completed.
彼(かれ)らの関係(かんけい)には紆余曲折(うよきょくせつ)があった。
Their relationship had its ups and downs.
紆余曲折(うよきょくせつ)の末(すえ)、契約(けいやく)が成立(せいりつ)した。
After many complications, the contract was finalized.
紆余曲折(うよきょくせつ)はあったが、最終的(さいしゅうてき)にはうまくいった。
There were twists and turns, but in the end things worked out.
会社(かいしゃ)を立(た)ち上(あ)げるまでに、さまざまな紆余曲折(うよきょくせつ)を経験(けいけん)した。
I went through various twists and turns before starting the company.

Etymology

紆余(うよ) (winding) + 曲折(きょくせつ) (bends and turns)
→ winding and bending = twists and turns

Writing

  • 紆(う) - winding, meandering
  • 余(よ) - surplus, extra
  • 曲(きょく) - bend, curve
  • 折(せつ) - break, fold

Common patterns

  • 紆余曲折(うよきょくせつ)を経(へ)て - after many twists and turns
  • 紆余曲折(うよきょくせつ)の末(すえ) - after various complications
  • 紆余曲折(うよきょくせつ)がある - to have complications

Usage

A noun, not a na-adjective: it does not take な. Emphasizes that the route to a result was anything but straightforward. It is most often used looking back, once the goal has finally been reached, so it carries a note of relief rather than complaint. The word is written and somewhat formal: it is at home in speeches, news writing, and business reports, and sounds heavy in casual chat.

Related Words

Related: 曲折(きょくせつ) (twists and turns)
Related: 末(すえ) (end; after (a long process))
core
Added 2026.1.19 12:29 · Revised 2026.10.13 3:57
07000/07289_uyokyokusetsu