1.
twist, torsion (physical)
A physical twisting or warping of an object.
木に捻じれが生じた。
A twist developed in the wood.
2.
distortion, complication (figurative)
A distorted or complicated state, especially in politics or relationships; a deadlock situation.
国会は捻じれ状態にある。
The Diet is in a deadlock situation.
捻じれ国会 refers to when different parties control each house.
二人の関係に捻じれが生じている。
There is a complication in their relationship.
捻じれ refers to twisting or distortion, both physical and figurative.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 捻じれが生じる: a twist develops
- 捻じれ国会: divided Diet (political term)
- 捻じれ現象: distortion phenomenon
POLITICAL USAGE:
捻じれ国会 is a common term in Japanese politics, referring to when the ruling party controls the House of Representatives but not the House of Councillors.