Japanese word

折り返す

Pronunciation

Romajiorikaesu

Meaning

  • verbfold back

Example

本のページの端を折り返します。hon no pē ji no hashi o o ri kae shi ma su

I fold back the edge of a page in the book.

Illustration for 折り返す (fold back)

More examples

地図の端を折り返すと、目的地が見やすくなります。chi zu no hashi o o ri kae su to moku teki chi ga mi ya su ku na ri ma su

If you fold back the edge of the map, the destination is easier to see.

Core concept

Describes moving part of something back over itself or changing direction to go back.

Common phrases

  • ページを折り返すpē ji o o ri kae su

    fold back a page

  • 裾を折り返すsuso o o ri kae su

    turn up a hem

  • 紙の端を折り返すkami no hashi o o ri kae su

    fold back the edge of the paper

Similar words

折るoru: To bend or fold an object, creating a crease or changing its shape.
折り曲げるorimageru: To bend a part of something sharply so that it takes a different position.
畳むtatamu: To fold an item into a compact form, usually for storage or transport.

Definition in Japanese

物の一部を折って反対側へ戻すこと、また、進んできた方向を変えて戻ること。mono no ichi bu o o tte han tai gawa e modo su ko to ma ta susu n de ki ta hō kō o ka e te modo ru ko to

Word origin

The compound verb 折り返す (orikaesu) combines the continuative form 折り (ori) of 折る (oru, "fold") with 返す (kaesu, "return").

Usage tips

  • In clothing instructions, 折り返す (orikaesu) can describe turning a sleeve or trouser cuff back, which creates a visible folded edge.

Other meanings

  • turn upverb
  • turn backverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word