もつれ

Alternative writings: 縺れ
Frequency:
1

A physical tangle or snarl (e.g., threads, hair, or lines twisted together and hard to untangle).

NounUsually Kana

Examples

セーターの毛糸が大きくもつれてしまった。

The sweater's yarn got badly tangled.

釣り糸のもつれをほどくのに時間がかかった。

It took a long time to untangle the fishing line.

風で髪のもつれがひどくなった。

The wind made my hair really tangled.

2

A complication or entanglement in affairs or relationships that causes difficulties or snags.

NounUsually Kana

Examples

書類の不備でもつれが生じ、手続きが遅れた。

A complication due to missing documents caused the procedure to be delayed.

交渉は予期せぬもつれにより長引いた。

The negotiations were prolonged by unexpected complications.