ひねり
ひねり
noun
twist; ingenuity; a spin
1.
twist; spin; twisting motion
A physical twisting or spinning motion, as in sports, dance, or handling objects.
ボールにひねりを加える。
To put a spin on the ball.
体操選手が空中でひねりを入れた。
The gymnast added a twist in midair.
宙返りに二回ひねりを加えた大技を決めた。
They landed a big move with a somersault and two twists.
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.
もう少しひねりが欲しい。
I want a bit more of a twist.
ひねりの効いたジョークだ。
That's a joke with a clever twist.
ありきたりな企画ではなく、もっとひねりを加えた提案をしてほしい。
I don't want a typical plan — I'd like a proposal with more ingenuity.
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
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 工夫 — ingenuity, creative effort (broader, more practical)
- ひねる — to twist (verb form)
- オリジナリティ — originality (loanword, more neutral)