Japanese word

振り回す

Pronunciation

Romajifurimawasu

Meaning

  • verbwave around

Example

彼は話しながら手を振り回します。kare wa hana shi na ga ra te o fu ri mawa shi ma su

He waves his hands around while talking.

Illustration for 振り回す (wave around)

More examples

彼女は応援しながら、旗を振り回しています。kano jo wa ō en shi na ga ra hata o fu ri mawa shi te i ma su

She is waving a flag around while cheering.

Core concept

Describes moving a hand, limb, or object widely and energetically in different directions.

Common phrases

  • 手を振り回すte o fu ri mawa su

    wave one's hands around

  • 旗を振り回すhata o fu ri mawa su

    wave a flag around

  • 棒を振り回すbō o fu ri mawa su

    swing a stick around

Similar words

振るfuru: To move something back and forth or from side to side.
振りかざすfurikazasu: To hold something high and wave it to display it.
打ち振るuchifuru: To wave something vigorously with repeated, strong movements.

Definition in Japanese

手足や物などを、勢いよくあちこちに動かす。te ashi ya mono na do o ikio i yo ku a chi ko chi ni ugo ka su

Word origin

振り回す (furimawasu) is a native Japanese compound of 振る (furu, "to wave or shake") and 回す (mawasu, "to turn around"), expressing movement around in various directions.

Usage tips

  • In English, wave around can sound gentle, while 振り回す (furimawasu) often suggests broad, energetic movement.

Other meanings

  • swing aroundverb
  • brandishverb

Word lists with this word