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.

蛇行(だこう) literally means "snake movement."

Usage

  • For rivers winding through landscapes
  • For roads that curve back and forth
  • For vehicles swerving or weaving

Common collocations

Driving context

蛇行(だこう)運転(うんてん) specifically refers to dangerous driving where a vehicle swerves from side to side, often associated with drunk or distracted driving.

Related Words

Compare: 曲(ま)がりくねる (to twist and turn)
Compare: 紆余(うよ) (winding, meandering, twists and turns)
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 2026.9.2 13:01
09000/09036_dakou