紆余(うよ)

A highly literary word that is almost always encountered as part of the four-character compound 紆余曲折(うよきょくせつ) (twists and turns, complications). On its own, 紆余(うよ) means to wind or meander, both literally (of roads and rivers) and figuratively (of processes and events).

The characters break down as 紆(う) (to wind, to coil) + 余(よ) (to extend, to spread). Both characters suggest gradual, winding extension.

Common collocations

• 紆余曲折(うよきょくせつ): twists and turns, complications — by far the most common form
• 紆余(うよ)した道(みち): a winding road (literary)
• 紆余(うよ)を経(へ)て: after going through twists and turns

Similar words

• 紆余曲折(うよきょくせつ): twists and turns — the standard four-character compound
• 曲折(きょくせつ): bending, complications — can be used independently unlike 紆余(うよ)
• 蛇行(だこう): meandering, winding — specifically for rivers or roads snaking back and forth