うねり

The noun form of the verb うねる (to undulate, to surge). In the literal sense, refers specifically to ocean swells — the deep rolling waves distinct from surface wind waves. The figurative sense is common in news and political commentary.

Common collocations

• うねりが高(たか)い: the swell is high
• うねりが強(つよ)い: the swell is strong
• 大(おお)きなうねり: a large swell/surge
• うねりを上(あ)げる: to raise a surge (figurative)
• 時代(じだい)のうねり: the surge/momentum of the era

Similar words

• 波(なみ): wave — general term for waves, while うねり specifically means deep, rolling swells
• 潮流(ちょうりゅう): current, trend — emphasizes direction rather than building power
• 高波(たかなみ): high waves — dangerous surface waves, distinct from deep swells
• 流(なが)れ: flow, trend — gentler and more sustained than the building momentum of うねり

Forms

• うねる (verb): to undulate, to wind, to surge
• うねうね: onomatopoeia for winding/undulating movement