よろめく

Alternative writings: 蹌踉めく, 蹣跚めく
Frequency:
1

To stagger or stumble; to totter — to lose stable footing or sway unsteadily.

U-VerbIntransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

酔って駅の階段でよろめいた。

I staggered on the station stairs because I was drunk.

強い風でよろめきながらも、彼女は家に向かって歩いた。

Even though she was swaying in the strong wind, she walked toward home.

その知らせを聞いて、一瞬よろめいたが、すぐに落ち着いた。

Upon hearing the news I staggered for a moment, but soon regained my composure.

2

To waver or be undecided; to be in two minds — one’s resolve or feelings fluctuate.

U-VerbIntransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

昇進の話を聞いて、彼はよろめいているようだった。

After hearing about the promotion, he seemed to be wavering.

重要な選択でよろめかないよう、自分の優先順位をはっきりさせた。

To avoid wavering over an important choice, I clarified my priorities.

3

To fall for someone; to have an affair — colloquially used to mean becoming romantically infatuated or entering a sexual relationship.

U-VerbIntransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

彼女はあっという間によろめいてしまい、元の生活が変わった。

She fell for him in no time, and her old life changed.

噂では、あの上司と部下がよろめいているらしい。

Rumor has it that that boss and subordinate are having an affair.

Word Relationships

Masu-Formよろめきます
Nai-Formよろめかない
Ta-Formよろめいた
Te-Formよろめいて
Ba-Formよろめけば
Volitional Formよろめこう
Imperative Formよろめけ
Potential Formよろめける
Passive Formよろめかれる
Causative Formよろめかせる
Causative Passive Formよろめかせられる