反らす

• Reading: そらす
• Romaji: sorasu
• Kanji breakdown: 反 (han/so) — anti, reverse, bend back
• Pronunciation: /so.ɾa.sɯ/

Meaning

To bend back; to warp; to curve; to arch something intentionally.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb — the causative/transitive counterpart of 反る (to warp). Used when someone deliberately bends or arches something, especially the body. Common in yoga, stretching, and physical descriptions. Also appears in the expression 胸を反らす (to puff out one's chest with pride).

Examples

1. 体を後ろに反らすストレッチをした。 I did a stretch that arches the body backward.
2. 胸を反らして堂々と歩いた。 I puffed out my chest and walked with confidence.
3. 板を熱で反らすと曲がった形になる。 When you warp a board with heat, it takes on a curved shape.

Usage Guide

Context: exercise, physical description, craftsmanship

Tone: descriptive

Origin & History

Transitive form of 反る. The kanji 反 (anti, reverse) depicts a hand bending something back against a cliff face, conveying the idea of curving or bending backwards.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal