1.
breaking ball; curveball; off-speed pitch
In baseball, any pitch that curves or changes direction, as opposed to a straight fastball. Includes curveballs, sliders, and changeups.
変化球で三振を取った。
He struck the batter out with a breaking ball.
あの投手は変化球の種類が豊富だ。
That pitcher has a rich variety of breaking balls.
速球と変化球を上手に組み合わせるのが大事だ。
It's important to skillfully combine fastballs and breaking balls.
2.
curveball; unexpected twist; indirect approach
Used figuratively for an unexpected or indirect approach, a surprising twist, or something that deviates from the straightforward.
変化球な質問が来た。
An unexpected curveball question came.
直球ではなく変化球で攻めてみよう。
Let's try an indirect approach instead of being straightforward.
あの監督の映画はいつも変化球で、予想を裏切ってくる。
That director's films always throw curveballs and defy expectations.
USAGE:
Originally a baseball term, now widely used figuratively. The figurative sense parallels the English "curveball" — something unexpected or indirect. Contrasts with 直球 (fastball; straightforward approach).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 変化球を投げる (to throw a breaking ball)
- 変化球主体 (relying mainly on breaking balls)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 直球: fastball; straightforward approach — the opposite
- カーブ: curve(ball) — a specific type of breaking ball