Japanese word

またがる

Pronunciation

Romajimatagaru

Meaning

  • verbstraddle

Example

馬にまたがります。uma ni ma ta ga ri ma su

I straddle the horse.

Illustration for またがる (straddle)

More examples

バイクにまたがる前に、ヘルメットをかぶります。ba i ku ni ma ta ga ru mae ni he ru me tto o ka bu ri ma su

Before straddling the motorcycle, I put on a helmet.

Core concept

またがる (matagaru) means to occupy a position across something, most visibly by sitting with it between the legs.

Common phrases

  • 馬にまたがるuma ni ma ta ga ru

    straddle a horse

  • 自転車にまたがるji ten sha ni ma ta ga ru

    straddle a bicycle

Similar words

跨ぐmatagu: To step over or across something without remaining positioned over it.

Definition in Japanese

馬や乗り物などの上に両脚を広げて腰を下ろし、跨ぐような姿勢で乗る。uma ya no ri mono na do no ue ni ryō ashi o hiro ge te koshi o o ro shi mata gu yō na shi sei de no ru

Word origin

またがる (matagaru, "to straddle") is a native Japanese verb related in form and meaning to またぐ (matagu, "to straddle or step over"); the exact historical development of the pair is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • For a bicycle or motorcycle, またがる (matagaru) describes taking the seated position with the vehicle between the legs, while stepping over it is a different action.

Other meanings

  • mountverb

Related words

  • またがり方matagarikataway of straddlingnoun

Word lists with this word