跳ね返す

• Reading: はねかえす
• Romaji: hanekaesu
• Kanji breakdown: 跳 (chō/ha) — jump, spring; 返 (hen/kae) — return, send back
• Pronunciation: /ha.ne.ka.e.sɯ/

Meaning

To bounce back; to repel; to deflect; to reject forcefully. Used for both physical bouncing and figurative resistance.

A Group 1 (godan) compound transitive verb from 跳ねる (haneru, to spring/bounce) + 返す (kaesu, to return/send back). Physically describes an object rebounding from a surface. Figuratively describes resisting pressure, rejecting criticism, or defeating opponents. The sense of active, forceful repulsion distinguishes it from passive resistance — the subject actively drives something back.

Examples

1. 強化ガラスはボールの衝撃を完全に跳ね返した。 The reinforced glass completely deflected the impact of the ball.
2. 激しい批判を跳ね返し、彼女はプロジェクトを完成させた。 She bounced back from fierce criticism and completed the project.
3. チームは苦境を跳ね返し、見事な逆転勝利を収めた。 The team overcame adversity and pulled off a spectacular comeback victory.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, adversity, business, determination

Tone: forceful

Origin & History

Compound of 跳ねる (haneru, to spring or bounce, from Old Japanese はね) and 返す (kaesu, to return or send back). Together they convey the image of something hitting a surface and being actively propelled back with force and intent.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal