1.
twist; spin; twisting motion
A physical twisting or spinning motion, as in sports, dance, or handling objects.
2.
twist; ingenuity; clever spin
A creative or unexpected element added to something — a twist in a story, a clever angle in a joke, or an original spin on an idea.
The noun form of the verb ひねる (to twist, to turn). Has both a literal physical meaning and a figurative meaning of creative originality.
Usage
In sense 1 (physical twist), common in sports like gymnastics, figure skating, and ball sports. In sense 2 (ingenuity), used to describe creative writing, humor, marketing, and any situation where an unexpected angle makes something more interesting.
Common collocations
- ひねりを加える — to add a twist
- ひねりを入れる — to put in a twist
- ひねりが効いた — with a clever twist; ingenious
- ひねりのない — lacking originality; straightforward