折る

• Reading: おる
• Romaji: oru
• Kanji breakdown: 折 (setsu/o) — break, fold, bend
• Pronunciation: /o.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To snap; to break; to fold; to bend. Describes breaking or folding something by applying force.

A Group 1 (godan) verb with an る ending. Has two main senses: breaking something rigid (like a branch or bone) and folding something pliable (like paper). The art of 折り紙 (origami, paper folding) derives from this verb. Also used figuratively in 骨を折る (to go to great trouble).

Examples

1. 風で木の枝が折れてしまった。 The tree branch snapped in the wind.
2. 子供たちが折り紙で鶴を折っています。 The children are folding paper cranes with origami.
3. 転んで足の骨を折ってしまいました。 I fell and broke a bone in my leg.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, crafts, accidents

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 折 combines 手 (hand) and a component representing cutting, depicting the action of breaking or bending with one's hands.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal