弾む

• Reading: はずむ
• Romaji: hazumu
• Kanji breakdown: 弾 (dan/hazu) — spring, bounce, flick
• Pronunciation: /ha.zɯ.mɯ/

Meaning

To bounce; to be lively; to be in high spirits. Describes both physical rebounding and emotional buoyancy.

A Group 1 (godan) verb with both literal and figurative senses. Literally, it describes the bouncing or springing motion of a ball or elastic object. Figuratively, it expresses a lively, animated atmosphere — especially in conversation (話が弾む, the conversation flows lively) or exuberant emotions. Also used for giving generously (弾んだお礼, a generous tip). Context determines which meaning applies.

Examples

1. 初めて会った二人だったが、会話が自然と弾んだ。 Although they had just met, the conversation naturally became lively.
2. 子供たちがボールを弾ませながら公園を駆け回っていた。 The children were running around the park, bouncing a ball as they went.
3. 久しぶりの同窓会で話が弾み、時間を忘れてしまった。 At the long-awaited class reunion, the conversation was so lively that we lost track of time.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, emotions, sports, daily life

Tone: positive

Origin & History

From Old Japanese はずむ, related to the concept of a spring-like elastic rebound. The kanji 弾 (dan, spring/flick) captures the physical energy behind the word. The metaphorical extension to lively speech and high spirits came through the image of conversation springing energetically back and forth.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal