Japanese word

反り

Pronunciation

Romajisori

Meaning

  • nouncurve

Example

この刀の反りは美しいです。ko no katana no so ri wa utsuku shi i de su

The curve of this sword is beautiful.

Illustration for 反り (curve)

More examples

刀を研ぐ前に、まず反りを確認します。katana o to gu mae ni ma zu so ri o kaku nin shi ma su

Before sharpening the sword, I first check its curve.

Core concept

Describes a shape that departs from straightness in a smooth bend, whether as a feature of an object or as an unwanted warp.

Common phrases

  • 日本刀の反りnihon tō no so ri

    the curve of a Japanese sword

  • 反りが美しいso ri ga utsuku shi i

    have a beautiful curve

  • 反りを確認するso ri o kaku nin su ru

    check the curve

Similar words

曲がりmagari: A bend that makes an object depart from a straight shape.
湾曲wankyoku: A smooth, gradual bend in an object or surface.

Definition in Japanese

物がまっすぐでなく、弓なりに曲がっている状態やその曲がり。mono ga ma ssu gu de na ku yumi na ri ni ma ga tte i ru jō tai ya so no ma ga ri

Word origin

The noun 反り (sori) comes from the continuative form of 反る (soru), meaning "to curve or bend away," and names the resulting curved shape.

Usage tips

  • In English descriptions of Japanese swords, 反り (sori) is often retained as a technical term for the blade's curvature.

Other meanings

  • warpnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word