蛇行(だこう)

だこう
noun
meandering; zigzag; swerving
movementgeographytransportation
1. meandering; winding; sinuous movement
Moving in a snake-like, winding pattern. Used for rivers, roads, or vehicles that don't go straight.
川(かわ)が蛇行(だこう)している。
The river is meandering.
蛇行(だこう)運転(うんてん)で検挙(けんきょ)された。
I was caught for swerving while driving.
山道(やまみち)は蛇行(だこう)しながら頂上(ちょうじょう)へ続(つづ)いている。
The mountain path winds its way to the summit.

Common collocations

  • 蛇行(だこう)する: to meander, to wind; (of a vehicle) to weave
  • 蛇行(だこう)運転(うんてん): weaving from side to side while driving, a mark of drunk or dangerous driving; also used of deliberate tailgating-and-weaving harassment
  • 蛇行(だこう)河川(かせん): a meandering river

Usage

  • Literally "snake going": for rivers winding across a plain, roads and paths that curve back and forth, and vehicles swerving.

Related Words

Compare: 曲(ま)がりくねる (to twist and turn)
Compare: 屈曲(くっきょく) (bending)
Compare: 乱走(らんそう) (reckless driving)
general
Added 2026.1.31 8:05 · Revised 2026.9.30 2:25
09000/09036_dakou