1.
to wield, to swing, to brandish
To swing or brandish a weapon, tool, or implement with force.
刀を振るう。
To wield a sword.
料理人が包丁を振るって魚をさばいた。
The chef wielded a knife and filleted the fish.
彼はバットを力強く振るった。
He swung the bat powerfully.
2.
to exercise, to exert (power, ability, violence)
To actively use or display power, ability, or force. Often used when describing someone demonstrating their skills or exerting authority.
暴力を振るってはいけない。
You must not resort to violence.
彼女は持ち前のリーダーシップを振るった。
She exercised her natural leadership.
権力を振るう立場にある人は、責任も重い。
Those in a position to exercise power also bear heavy responsibility.
振るう means to wield or exercise something with active force — whether a physical tool or an abstract power.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: 他動詞 (transitive)
PATTERN:
- 〜を振るう: to wield ~, to exercise ~
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 腕を振るう: to display one's skill (literally "wield one's arm")
- 暴力を振るう: to resort to violence
- 権力を振るう: to wield power
- 手腕を振るう: to demonstrate one's abilities
- 包丁を振るう: to wield a kitchen knife (i.e., to cook)
DO NOT CONFUSE:
- 振るう (to wield) vs 奮う (to rouse oneself, to muster) — different kanji, different meanings
- 振るう (to wield) vs 震える (to tremble) — different words entirely