反る

• Reading: そる
• Romaji: soru
• Kanji breakdown: 反 (han/so) — anti, reverse, bend back
• Pronunciation: /so.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To warp; to curve; to arch; to bend backwards naturally or due to some force.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb describing something bending or curving on its own. Used for physical warping of materials like wood or metal, and for the body arching backwards. The intransitive counterpart of 反らす. Often seen in descriptions of craftsmanship problems, body posture, or natural deformation.

Examples

1. 湿気で木の板が反ってしまった。 The wooden board warped from the humidity.
2. 新しい靴の底がすぐに反った。 The sole of my new shoes warped quickly.
3. 体が柔らかいので大きく後ろに反れる。 I'm flexible, so I can arch way back.

Usage Guide

Context: materials, craftsmanship, body movement

Tone: descriptive

Origin & History

From the kanji 反 (reverse, bend back). The intransitive form indicates the natural or spontaneous process of bending, as opposed to the deliberate action expressed by the transitive 反らす.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal