ひねる

(2 entries)
Alternative writings: 陳ねる, ヒネる
Frequency:
1

To become old or stale; to lose freshness or flavor. Used colloquially to indicate something has aged or deteriorated.

Ru-VerbIntransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

買い置きしていたお茶が長く置いておいてひねってしまった。

The tea I had stored for a long time has gone stale.

古い米はひねると炊いても味が落ちる。

Old rice loses flavor even when cooked if it has gone stale.

2

To be too grown-up for one's age; to be precocious. Often used about a person's manner or thinking.

Ru-VerbIntransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

小学生なのに彼女はとても落ち着いていて、少しひねっているところがある。

Although she's an elementary-school student, she's very composed and somewhat precocious.

その子は話し方がひねっていて、同年代より大人っぽく聞こえる。

That child speaks in a precocious way and sounds more grown-up than others his age.

3

To become twisted, warped, or perverse (in personality or form). A colloquial sense similar to 'to become perverse' or 'to turn sour'.

Ru-VerbIntransitive VerbUsually KanaColloquial

Examples

最近彼は周囲に反抗的で、少しずつ性格がひねってきたようだ。

Lately he's been rebellious; it seems his personality has become a bit twisted.

古い木材は乾燥してひねることがあり、使う前に注意が必要だ。

Old wood can warp as it dries, so you should check it before using it.

Word Relationships

Derivations
Masu-Formひねます
Nai-Formひねない
Ta-Formひねた
Te-Formひねて
Ba-Formひねれば
Volitional Formひねよう
Imperative Formひねろ
Potential Formひねられる
Passive Formひねられる
Causative Formひねさせる
Causative Passive Formひねさせられる