ずれる

• Reading: ずれる
• Romaji: zureru
• Pronunciation: /dzɯ.ɾe.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To slip; to shift; to be off. Something moving out of its proper position or alignment.

A Group 2 (ichidan) intransitive verb. Used for physical displacement (a picture frame shifting) and abstract misalignment (opinions being off, timing being wrong). Very versatile in everyday speech. Often describes subtle, gradual shifts rather than dramatic movements.

Examples

1. 地震でタンスが少しずれてしまった。 The dresser shifted a little because of the earthquake.
2. 彼との話はいつもポイントがずれている。 Conversations with him are always off the mark.
3. 予定が一時間ずれて、待ち合わせに遅れた。 The schedule shifted by an hour, and I was late for the meeting.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, discussions, scheduling

Tone: casual

Origin & History

Originally from the concept of slipping or sliding out of place. A native Japanese word (和語) without kanji, indicating its deep roots in everyday spoken language.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal