1.
momentum; impetus; driving force
The force or energy that keeps something moving forward or accelerating. Used for both physical and figurative momentum.
仕事に弾みがつく。
Work gains momentum.
成功が弾みとなって、次のプロジェクトも順調に進んだ。
The success served as momentum, and the next project also progressed smoothly.
この勝利をチームの弾みにしたい。
I want to use this victory as a springboard for the team.
2.
impulse; spur of the moment; chance occurrence
An unplanned action triggered by a sudden impulse or coincidence. Often used with に or で to mean 'on impulse' or 'by chance.'
弾みで言ってしまった。
I blurted it out on impulse.
酒の弾みで余計なことを話した。
Carried away by the drink, I said things I shouldn't have.
ぶつかった弾みに持っていたコップを落としてしまった。
When I bumped into something, the impact made me drop the cup I was holding.
The noun form of the verb 弾む (to bounce, to spring). The core image is of a bouncing, springing force — something that propels forward or triggers an action.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 弾みがつく: to gain momentum
- 弾みをつける: to build up momentum
- 弾みで: on impulse; by the force of
- 弾みとなる: to serve as a springboard
- 酒の弾みで: carried away by drink
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 勢い: vigor, force, momentum (broader; can describe ongoing energy)
- 衝動: impulse, urge (stronger emotional drive, often for sense 2)
- きっかけ: trigger, opportunity (emphasizes the starting point rather than the force)