縦横無尽(じゅうおうむじん)

じゅうおうむじん
noun, na-adjective
freely in all directions; unrestricted
formalwrittendescriptive
1. freely in all directions, unrestricted, without limitation
Moving or acting freely and without any constraint in every direction. Literally means 'vertically and horizontally without limit.' Used to describe someone or something that operates with complete freedom, versatility, and energy across a wide range.
選手(せんしゅ)がグラウンドを縦横無尽(じゅうおうむじん)に走(はし)り回(まわ)った。
The player ran freely all over the field.
彼女(かのじょ)は縦横無尽(じゅうおうむじん)の活躍(かつやく)でチームを引(ひ)っ張(ぱ)った。
She led the team with her unlimited versatility.
あの監督(かんとく)は豊(ゆた)かな知識(ちしき)を縦横無尽(じゅうおうむじん)に駆使(くし)して、斬新(ざんしん)な映画(えいが)を作(つく)り上(あ)げた。
That director made full use of his extensive knowledge in every possible way to create an innovative film.

Usage

A four-character compound (四字熟語(よじじゅくご)). Can be used as a na-adjective (縦横無尽(じゅうおうむじん)な活躍(かつやく)) or as an adverb with に (縦横無尽(じゅうおうむじん)に走(はし)る). Often used in sports commentary and writing to describe dynamic, unrestricted movement or activity.

Etymology

縦(じゅう) (vertical) + 横(おう) (horizontal) + 無(む) (without) + 尽(じん) (limit). Literally "vertically and horizontally without limit."

Common collocations

Related Words

Compare: 自在(じざい) (free)
Compare: 自由自在(じゆうじざい) (freely)
Compare: 八面六臂(はちめんろっぴ) (outstanding versatility)
general
Added 2026.2.28 8:10 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
14000/14074_juuoumujin