乗り切る
乗り切る en 30 secondes
- Norikiru means to weather or tide over a difficult period or crisis.
- It comes from 'riding' (noru) and 'cutting' (kiru), suggesting a ship cutting through waves.
- Commonly used for surviving heat, recessions, busy work seasons, or illnesses.
- Focuses on endurance and reaching the end of a hard time rather than just climbing over an obstacle.
The Japanese verb 乗り切る (norikiru) is a powerful compound verb that combines noru (to ride) and kiru (to cut/finish). At its core, it evokes the image of a ship's bow cutting through a massive, turbulent wave to reach calmer waters. In modern Japanese, this translates to 'getting through,' 'weathering,' or 'tiding over' a difficult period, crisis, or physical challenge. It is not just about moving past something, but about managing to survive or endure a specific, high-pressure situation until the end of that phase. You will frequently hear this word in contexts involving business crises, health struggles, seasonal extremes, or intense academic periods.
- Core Nuance
- The focus is on endurance and successful passage through a temporary but intense hardship. Unlike 'overcoming' (kokufuku), which implies a permanent victory over a weakness, 'norikiru' implies surviving a storm that will eventually pass.
この厳しい冬をなんとか乗り切ることができました。 (We managed to somehow get through this harsh winter.)
Culturally, this word resonates with the Japanese value of gaman (endurance). It is used when the situation is external—like a global recession or a heatwave—and the speaker must use their resources, grit, or luck to reach the other side. It is distinct from norikoeru, which emphasizes climbing over an obstacle. Instead, norikiru feels more like navigating through a tunnel or a storm. In a business setting, a manager might encourage their team to 'norikiru' the end-of-year rush, implying that while the work is exhausting, it is a finite period that they must survive together.
- Common Contexts
- 1. Seasonal changes (surviving the heat). 2. Financial difficulties (tiding over a deficit). 3. Physical illness (getting through a fever). 4. Work deadlines (surviving a busy season).
冷たい飲み物で夏の暑さを乗り切る。 (To get through the summer heat with cold drinks.)
In a broader sense, norikiru is often paired with adverbs like nantoka (somehow) or buji ni (safely), highlighting the uncertainty and difficulty of the path. When you use this word, you are acknowledging that the situation is tough, but you are expressing the intent or the result of not giving up. It is a word of resilience.
- Social Nuance
- Using this word in a group setting can be very motivating. It creates a sense of shared hardship and a common goal of reaching the 'other side' of a problem.
一致団結してこの危機を乗り切ろう! (Let's unite and get through this crisis!)
彼は知恵を絞って困難を乗り切った。 (He used all his wits to tide over the difficulties.)
Mastering 乗り切る requires understanding its grammatical flexibility and the specific objects it typically governs. As a Godan verb ending in ~u, it follows standard conjugation patterns. The most common structure is [Difficulty/Period] を 乗り切る. Because it implies a successful outcome or the process of striving for one, it is often found in the potential form (norikireru - can get through) or the volitional form (norikirou - let's get through).
- Grammar Pattern 1: The Potential
- Using 'norikireru' expresses the ability to handle a situation. Example: 'We can get through this.' (この状況なら乗り切れる。)
今の資金があれば、来月までは乗り切れるはずだ。 (With our current funds, we should be able to tide over until next month.)
Another frequent usage involves the te-form to describe the method used to get through the hardship. For instance, 'surviving by eating well' or 'getting through by staying positive.' This highlights the strategic nature of the verb—it's not just passive waiting; it's active management of a crisis.
- Grammar Pattern 2: Method + Te-form
- [Method] + て + [Difficulty] を 乗り切る. Example: 'Eating meat to survive the summer heat.' (肉を食べて夏を乗り切る。)
睡眠をしっかり取って、繁忙期を乗り切りましょう。 (Let's get through the busy season by getting plenty of sleep.)
In formal reports or news broadcasts, you will see the past tense norikitta to describe how a company or nation survived a historical challenge. It sounds definitive and successful. Conversely, in negative forms like norikirenakatta, it carries a heavy sense of failure or collapse under pressure.
- Grammar Pattern 3: Passive/Causative (Rare)
- While rare, you might see 'norikiraseru' (to make someone get through). However, the active form is vastly more common as it emphasizes personal or collective agency.
政府の支援なしでは、この不況は乗り切れない。 (Without government support, we cannot weather this recession.)
Finally, consider the nuance of 'tiding over.' This is particularly common with financial or resource-based sentences. If you have just enough rice to last until payday, you 'norikiru' with that rice. This highlights the 'sufficiency' aspect of the verb—having enough to not fail.
貯金を切り崩して、失業期間を乗り切った。 (I survived the period of unemployment by dipping into my savings.)
You will encounter 乗り切る in a variety of high-stakes and daily-life scenarios. It is a staple of Japanese news, particularly in the business and economy sections. When a major corporation faces a scandal or a financial deficit, reporters will debate whether the company can norikiru the crisis. It suggests a battle against external forces.
- In the Workplace
- Managers use it during pep talks. 'If we get through (norikireba) this week's deadline, we can relax.' It acknowledges that the current situation is 'peak' difficulty.
チーム全員の協力で、プロジェクトの山場を乗り切った。 (With everyone's cooperation, we got through the climax of the project.)
Another very common 'real-world' application is in health and seasonal discussions. Japan's summers are notoriously humid and hot. Every year, TV programs feature segments on 'How to norikiru the summer heat' (natsu no atsusa wo norikiru). They might suggest eating unagi (eel) or using specific cooling products. In this context, the 'enemy' is the weather, and the 'victory' is reaching autumn without falling ill from heat exhaustion.
- In Sports and Competition
- Commentators use it when a team is under heavy attack but manages to keep the score tied until the end of the match. 'They weathered the opponent's fierce attack' (aite no moudoku wo norikitta).
受験シーズンを乗り切るために、体調管理に気をつける。 (To get through the exam season, I pay attention to my health.)
In daily conversation, friends might use it to encourage one another during stressful times, like a breakup or a difficult move. It carries an empathetic tone, acknowledging that the other person is currently 'in the thick of it.' Phrases like 'Ato sukoshi da kara norikitte!' (Just a bit more, so pull through!) are common.
- Media Usage
- Headlines often use 'norikiru' for economic recovery stories. 'Japanese SMEs tide over the raw material price hike.' (中小企業、原材料高を乗り切る。)
辛い時期を乗り切れば、きっと良いことが待っている。 (If you get through the hard times, surely good things are waiting.)
One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing 乗り切る (norikiru) with 乗り越える (norikoeru). While they are similar, their nuances differ significantly. Norikoeru means 'to overcome' or 'to go over' (like a wall or a barrier). It implies climbing up and over an obstacle. Norikiru, however, implies going through a duration or a situation until the end. You 'norikoeru' a trauma (psychological barrier), but you 'norikiru' a busy week (duration of time).
- Mistake 1: Physical Navigation
- Incorrect: 'Hashi wo norikiru' (to get through a bridge). Correct: 'Hashi wo wataru' (to cross a bridge). 'Norikiru' is for abstract or situational 'passages,' not literal physical ones unless you are talking about a ship in a storm.
❌ 壁を乗り切る (Get through a wall) -> ⭕ 壁を乗り越える (Overcome a wall/barrier).
Another mistake involves the particle usage. Because norikiru is a transitive verb, it almost always takes wo. Learners sometimes use ni because they think of 'getting through TO' something, but in Japanese, you are 'cutting through THE hardship.' Also, be careful not to confuse it with kirinukeru (to escape a tight spot). Kirinukeru implies a more clever, quick escape from a dangerous trap, while norikiru implies enduring a long, difficult period.
- Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Endure' (Taeru)
- While 'norikiru' involves endurance, 'taeru' is purely about the internal feeling of bearing pain. 'Norikiru' is about the external action of successfully finishing the difficult period.
❌ 悲しみを乗り切る (Usually sounds odd) -> ⭕ 悲しみを乗り越える (Overcome sadness).
Finally, learners sometimes use norikiru for positive events. You don't 'norikiru' a party or a fun vacation. It is strictly reserved for things that are challenging, painful, or require significant effort to survive. Using it for a fun event would sound like you hated the event and just wanted it to be over.
- Mistake 3: Overuse in Casual Contexts
- While common, it can sound a bit dramatic if used for very minor inconveniences like 'surviving a 10-minute wait.' Save it for things that truly test your stamina or resources.
❌ 週末の旅行を乗り切った (Sounds like the trip was a disaster).
Japanese has many words for 'overcoming' or 'getting through,' and choosing the right one depends on the nature of the obstacle. 乗り切る is unique because of its 'tiding over' nuance. Let's compare it with its closest relatives.
- 乗り越える (Norikoeru) vs. 乗り切る
- 'Norikoeru' is 'to climb over.' It is used for obstacles (walls, hurdles) and emotional growth (overcoming grief). 'Norikiru' is 'to sail through.' It is used for periods of time or ongoing crises (recessions, busy seasons).
失恋を乗り越える (Overcome a breakup - emotional growth). vs. 繁忙期を乗り切る (Survive the busy season - endurance).
Another alternative is 克服する (Kokufuku-suru). This is a formal, Sino-Japanese word (kango) meaning 'to conquer' or 'to overcome.' It is almost always used for internal struggles, like overcoming a disease, a phobia, or a weakness. You wouldn't 'kokufuku' a summer heatwave; you 'norikiru' it.
- 切り抜ける (Kirinukeru) vs. 乗り切る
- 'Kirinukeru' means 'to cut and escape.' It implies a narrow escape from a dangerous trap or a sudden emergency. 'Norikiru' implies a longer, sustained effort to get through a difficult phase.
ピンチを切り抜ける (Escape a pinch/tight spot). vs. 不況を乗り切る (Weather a recession).
For purely physical endurance, 凌ぐ (Shinogu) is often used. It means 'to stave off' or 'to keep out.' It is very common with weather (staving off the cold). While 'norikiru' implies reaching the end of the season, 'shinogu' focuses more on the immediate act of protection or endurance.
- Other Alternatives
- 1. 打開する (Dakai-suru): To break a deadlock. 2. 遣り過ごす (Yarisugosu): To let something pass by/wait it out (more passive than norikiru).
困難な状況を打開する (To break through a difficult situation - implies a new solution).
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The suffix '-kiru' in Japanese often adds a nuance of 'completing something thoroughly' or 'doing something to the extreme.' This is why 'norikiru' feels so much more final and successful than just 'noru'.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing 'r' like an English 'r'. It should be a light tap.
- Elongating the 'u' at the end like 'roo'. It should be almost silent or very short.
- Stressing the wrong syllable. Japanese syllables have equal weight.
- Confusing 'norikiru' with 'norikuru' (ride-come).
- Misreading the kanji as 'josetsu' (clearing snow) which uses different characters.
Niveau de difficulté
Kanji are common (N3-N2 level), but the compound verb structure is standard.
Kanji for 'nori' and 'kiru' are basic, but remembering to use 'kiru' (切る) rather than 'koeru' (越える) is the challenge.
Natural usage requires understanding the 'endurance' nuance.
Distinct sound, very frequently used in news and daily life.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Compound Verbs with -kiru
食べきる (eat all), 走りきる (run to the end), 乗り切る (ride to the end).
Potential Form of Godan Verbs
乗り切れる (can pull through).
Volitional Form of Godan Verbs
乗り切ろう (let's pull through).
Te-form for Method
協力して乗り切る (Pull through by cooperating).
Conditional ~ba for Results
乗り切れば道は開ける (If you pull through, the path will open).
Exemples par niveau
水を飲んで、夏を乗り切ります。
I will get through the summer by drinking water.
Target: [Period] を 乗り切る (Get through [Period]).
テストを乗り切りました!
I got through the test!
Past tense: 乗り切りました (Got through).
たくさん食べて、冬を乗り切ろう。
Let's eat a lot and get through the winter.
Volitional: 乗り切ろう (Let's get through).
コーヒーで今日の仕事を乗り切る。
I will get through today's work with coffee.
Particle 'de' shows the tool/means.
あと一週間、乗り切りましょう。
Let's pull through for one more week.
Polite volitional: 乗り切りましょう.
この寒さを乗り切るのは大変です。
Getting through this cold is hard.
Noun clause: 乗り切るの (Getting through).
みんなで乗り切りたいです。
I want us to all get through it together.
Desire: 乗り切りたい (Want to get through).
頑張って乗り切ってね!
Do your best and pull through!
Imperative/Request: 乗り切って (Pull through).
貯金で今月を乗り切ることができた。
I was able to tide over this month with my savings.
Potential: 乗り切ることができた (Was able to get through).
忙しい時期をなんとか乗り切った。
I somehow got through the busy period.
Adverb: なんとか (Somehow).
薬を飲んで風邪を乗り切る。
I will get through the cold by taking medicine.
Te-form: 飲んで (By drinking/taking).
この苦境を乗り切れば、休みが取れる。
If we get through this predicament, we can take a break.
Conditional: 乗り切れば (If we get through).
彼は笑顔で辛い練習を乗り切った。
He got through the hard practice with a smile.
Particle 'de' shows the manner.
家族の助けがあって乗り切れた。
I was able to get through it because of my family's help.
Potential past: 乗り切れた (Could get through).
今のピンチを乗り切る方法はありますか?
Is there a way to get through this pinch?
Noun modifier: 乗り切る方法 (Way to get through).
睡眠を削って締め切りを乗り切った。
I got through the deadline by cutting back on sleep.
Te-form: 削って (By cutting back).
企業はコスト削減で不況を乗り切ろうとしている。
The company is trying to weather the recession through cost-cutting.
Attempting: 乗り切ろうとしている (Trying to get through).
この程度の予算では、年度末まで乗り切れない。
With this amount of budget, we can't tide over until the end of the fiscal year.
Negative potential: 乗り切れない (Cannot tide over).
知恵を出し合って、この難局を乗り切りましょう。
Let's share our wisdom and get through this difficult situation.
Compound verb: 出し合って (Sharing/putting together).
彼は持ち前の明るさで逆境を乗り切った。
He weathered the adversity with his inherent brightness.
Noun: 逆境 (Adversity).
政府の支援金のおかげで、倒産の危機を乗り切った。
Thanks to government subsidies, we weathered the crisis of bankruptcy.
Noun: 危機 (Crisis).
厳しい冬を乗り切るために、動物たちは食料を蓄える。
Animals store food to survive the harsh winter.
Purpose: 乗り切るために (In order to get through).
若さだけで乗り切れるほど、世の中は甘くない。
The world isn't so easy that you can get through it just with youth.
Degree: 乗り切れるほど (To the extent that one can get through).
このチームなら、どんな困難も乗り切れると信じている。
I believe this team can get through any difficulty.
Potential: 乗り切れる (Can get through).
合理化を進めることで、原材料の高騰を乗り切った。
By promoting rationalization, we weathered the surge in raw material prices.
Gerund: 合理化を進めることで (By promoting rationalization).
外交交渉によって、一触即発の事態を乗り切ることができた。
Through diplomatic negotiations, we were able to tide over a touch-and-go situation.
Noun: 事態 (Situation/State of affairs).
未曾有の災害を乗り切るには、強固なリーダーシップが必要だ。
To get through an unprecedented disaster, strong leadership is necessary.
Noun: 未曾有 (Unprecedented).
旧態依然としたやり方では、この激動の時代を乗り切れない。
You cannot survive this turbulent era with old-fashioned methods.
Adjective: 激動の (Turbulent).
彼女は持ち前の忍耐力で、過酷な労働環境を乗り切った。
She weathered the harsh working environment with her inherent patience.
Noun: 忍耐力 (Patience/Endurance).
多額の借金を抱えながらも、なんとか倒産を乗り切った。
While carrying a large debt, they somehow weathered the bankruptcy.
Conjunction: ながらも (While/Despite).
このプロジェクトを乗り切れば、会社での評価も上がるだろう。
If you get through this project, your evaluation at the company will likely rise.
Conditional: 乗り切れば (If you get through).
精神力だけで乗り切ろうとするのは、あまりに無謀だ。
Trying to pull through on willpower alone is too reckless.
Noun: 無謀 (Reckless).
中央銀行の介入が、通貨危機の局面を乗り切る鍵となった。
The central bank's intervention was the key to weathering the currency crisis phase.
Noun: 局面 (Phase/Aspect).
新薬の開発こそが、パンデミックを乗り切る唯一の手段だった。
The development of a new drug was the only means to survive the pandemic.
Emphasis: こそ (Precisely/Indeed).
組織のスリム化を断行し、存亡の機を乗り切った。
We carried out organizational downsizing and weathered the life-or-death crisis.
Noun: 存亡の機 (Life-or-death crisis).
巧みな弁舌で、記者たちの厳しい追及を乗り切った。
With skillful eloquence, he weathered the harsh questioning from the reporters.
Noun: 弁舌 (Eloquence).
デフレの荒波を乗り切るため、各社は必死の策を講じている。
To weather the rough waves of deflation, companies are taking desperate measures.
Metaphor: 荒波 (Rough waves).
過去の経験に照らし合わせ、この未曾有の事態を乗り切りたい。
By referring to past experiences, I want to pull through this unprecedented situation.
Grammar: ~に照らし合わせ (In light of/Referring to).
一致団結して国難を乗り切った歴史は、我々の誇りだ。
The history of uniting to weather national crises is our pride.
Noun: 国難 (National crisis).
冷徹な判断力を持って、混乱を乗り切る必要がある。
It is necessary to weather the confusion with cool-headed judgment.
Noun: 冷徹な (Cool-headed/Cold).
地政学的なリスクを孕んだ情勢を、如何に乗り切るかが問われている。
The question is how to navigate a situation fraught with geopolitical risks.
Grammar: 如何に~か (How to...).
彼は不屈の精神を以て、数多の試練を乗り切ってきた。
With an indomitable spirit, he has weathered numerous trials.
Grammar: ~を以て (With/By means of).
伝統と革新の狭間で揺れる業界が、この変革期を乗り切れるかは不透明だ。
It is uncertain whether the industry, caught between tradition and innovation, can survive this period of transformation.
Noun: 変革期 (Period of transformation).
徹底したリスク管理こそが、金融不安を乗り切るための要諦である。
Thorough risk management is the very secret to weathering financial instability.
Noun: 要諦 (Secret/Main point).
衆知を集めて、この未曾有の国難を乗り切るべきだ。
We should weather this unprecedented national crisis by gathering collective wisdom.
Noun: 衆知 (Collective wisdom).
卓越したリーダーシップが、沈没寸前の組織を乗り切らせた。
Outstanding leadership allowed the organization on the brink of sinking to pull through.
Causative: 乗り切らせた (Made/Allowed to pull through).
彼は絶体絶命のピンチを、驚異的な機転で乗り切った。
He weathered a desperate situation with phenomenal quick-wittedness.
Noun: 絶体絶命 (Desperate/Between a rock and a hard place).
厳しい市場環境を乗り切るには、絶え間ない自己変革が不可欠である。
To survive the harsh market environment, constant self-transformation is indispensable.
Noun: 不可欠 (Indispensable).
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— To somehow manage to pull through. Implies a narrow or difficult success.
なんとか今週を乗り切った。
— To pull through by combining strengths. Used in team or group contexts.
みんなで力を合わせて乗り切りましょう。
— To get through using one's wits or cleverness.
彼は知恵でその場を乗り切った。
— To pull through as one united body. Very formal and strong.
一丸となって国難を乗り切る。
— To hold out and eventually pull through.
最後まで持ちこたえて乗り切った。
— To pull through by being resourceful or creative.
工夫して暑い夏を乗り切る。
— To pull through with a smile. Implies staying positive.
辛い時こそ笑顔で乗り切ろう。
— To pull through safely or without incident.
手術を無事に乗り切った。
— To pull through until the very end.
マラソンを最後まで乗り切る。
— To pull through by uniting in purpose.
一致団結してこの危機を乗り切る。
Souvent confondu avec
Norikoeru is for jumping over a hurdle; Norikiru is for sailing through a storm.
Kokufuku is for internal/psychological victory; Norikiru is for situational survival.
Kirinukeru is for quick escapes; Norikiru is for long-term endurance.
Expressions idiomatiques
— To weather the rough waves. Metaphor for surviving a turbulent society or market.
不況の荒波を乗り切る。
Literary/Business— To get through a scene of carnage or a chaotic, high-stress situation.
数々の修羅場を乗り切ってきたベテラン。
Informal/Dramatic— To pull through at the critical moment/edge of a cliff.
存亡の瀬戸際を乗り切った。
Formal— To weather a trial or test given by fate.
神が与えた試練を乗り切る。
Neutral— To pull through the critical moment or the 'moment of truth'.
ここが正念場だ、乗り切ろう!
Neutral— To pull through at the very last second (often from a hopeless situation).
土壇場でピンチを乗り切った。
Neutral— To get through a difficult spot (literal or figurative).
登山の難所を乗り切る。
Neutral— To pull through the climax or the most difficult part of a task.
仕事の山場を乗り切った。
Neutral— To ride through a big wave (literal nautical or figurative big event).
時代の大きな波を乗り切る。
Literary— To weather a predicament or difficult circumstances.
長引く苦境を乗り切る。
NeutralFacile à confondre
Both mean survival.
Ikinokoru is literal survival (staying alive); Norikiru is situational survival (getting through a crisis).
戦争を生き残る (Survive a war). vs 倒産の危機を乗り切る (Weather the crisis of bankruptcy).
Both used for weather.
Shinogu is staving off the immediate discomfort; Norikiru is reaching the end of the period.
雨を凌ぐ (Take shelter from rain). vs 夏を乗り切る (Get through the whole summer).
Both involve endurance.
Taeru is the internal act of bearing pain; Norikiru is the external act of navigating the situation.
痛みに耐える (Endure pain). vs 繁忙期を乗り切る (Survive the busy season).
Both mean finishing something.
Yaritogeru is about achieving a positive goal; Norikiru is about surviving a negative situation.
任務をやり遂げる (Accomplish a mission). vs 困難を乗り切る (Weather a difficulty).
Both mean passing through.
Tsuuka is neutral movement; Norikiru implies hardship and effort.
駅を通過する (Pass through a station). vs 嵐を乗り切る (Weather a storm).
Structures de phrases
[Noun] を 乗り切る。
夏を乗り切る。
[Verb-te] 乗り切る。
食べて乗り切る。
なんとか [Noun] を 乗り切った。
なんとか不況を乗り切った。
[Noun] を 乗り切るために [Verb]。
冬を乗り切るために服を買う。
[Noun] を 乗り切れるかどうかが [Noun] だ。
危機を乗り切れるかどうかが鍵だ。
[Noun] を 乗り切る術を [Verb]。
窮地を乗り切る術を学ぶ。
[Noun] を 以て [Noun] を 乗り切る。
不屈の精神を以て試練を乗り切る。
如何に [Noun] を 乗り切るかが問われている。
如何に国難を乗り切るかが問われている。
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Very common in both spoken and written Japanese.
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Using 'ni' instead of 'wo'.
→
危機を乗り切る (Kiki wo norikiru).
It is a transitive verb. You are acting upon the crisis by cutting through it.
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Confusing with 'norikoeru' for grief.
→
悲しみを乗り越える (Kanashimi wo norikoeru).
'Norikiru' sounds too mechanical for deep emotions like grief; 'norikoeru' implies emotional growth.
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Using it for physical crossing.
→
道を渡る (Michi wo wataru).
'Norikiru' is for abstract situations, not literal roads or bridges.
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Using it for positive events.
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パーティーを楽しんだ (Paatii wo tanoshinda).
'Norikiru' implies the event was an ordeal to be endured.
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Misconjugating as an Ichidan verb.
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乗り切った (Norikitta).
It is a Godan verb (ends in -ru but the preceding sound is -ki, however it follows the -ru -> -tta pattern).
Astuces
Think Nautical
Always remember the image of a ship cutting through waves. It helps you remember that 'norikiru' is about movement through a medium (time/crisis).
Potential Form
Use 'norikireru' when you want to reassure someone or yourself that the current situation is manageable.
Summer Survival
In Japan, 'norikiru' is the unofficial verb of summer. Use it when talking about how you handle the heat!
Compound Power
Notice how '-kiru' changes the meaning of 'noru' from just 'riding' to 'surviving/completing.' This is a common pattern in Japanese.
Encouragement
Saying 'Norikitte kudasai!' is a great way to encourage someone going through a busy or tough time.
Business Context
In business writing, use it to describe overcoming market challenges. It sounds more active and strategic than just 'surviving'.
Nori Surfer
Visualize a surfer made of 'nori' (seaweed) 'cutting' through a wave. It's silly, but you'll never forget the word!
News Keywords
When you hear 'fukyou' (recession) or 'kiki' (crisis) on the news, listen for 'norikiru' immediately after.
Avoid Physical Objects
Don't use it for walls or mountains unless you mean the 'period of time' spent climbing them was a crisis.
Daily Reflection
At the end of every day, ask yourself: 'Kyou wo dou norikitta ka?' (How did I get through today?)
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of a surfer (nori) cutting (kiru) through a giant wave. They aren't just riding; they are navigating through a dangerous situation to reach the shore.
Association visuelle
Imagine a ship's bow slicing through a dark, stormy wave. The word 'norikiru' is the action of that ship reaching the calm sun on the other side.
Word Web
Défi
Try to use 'norikiru' three times today: once for the weather, once for your workload, and once to encourage a friend.
Origine du mot
A compound verb formed from the pre-modern Japanese words 'noru' (to ride) and 'kiru' (to cut). Originally used in nautical contexts.
Sens originel : To sail a boat across waves or through a storm, literally 'cutting' the water while 'riding' the vessel.
Japonic / Japanese.Contexte culturel
Generally a very positive, resilient word. No major sensitivities, but using it for someone else's minor problem might sound dismissive if not careful.
English speakers might use 'weather the storm' or 'tide over,' but 'norikiru' is used much more frequently for daily things like heat or a busy week.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Weather Extremes
- 猛暑を乗り切る (Survive a heatwave)
- 厳冬を乗り切る (Survive a harsh winter)
- 梅雨を乗り切る (Survive the rainy season)
- 暑さ対策で乗り切る (Get through with heat countermeasures)
Business/Economy
- 不況を乗り切る (Weather a recession)
- 赤字を乗り切る (Tide over a deficit)
- 倒産の危機を乗り切る (Weather the risk of bankruptcy)
- 資金繰りを乗り切る (Manage cash flow crisis)
Workplace
- 繁忙期を乗り切る (Survive the busy season)
- 締め切りを乗り切る (Survive the deadline)
- 人手不足を乗り切る (Manage through labor shortage)
- 山場を乗り切る (Get through the climax of work)
Health
- 高熱を乗り切る (Get through a high fever)
- 闘病生活を乗り切る (Survive a period of fighting illness)
- 手術を乗り切る (Get through a surgery)
- 体調不良を乗り切る (Pull through a period of poor health)
Personal Life/Education
- 受験シーズンを乗り切る (Survive exam season)
- 金欠を乗り切る (Tide over a lack of money)
- 失恋を乗り切る (Pull through a breakup)
- ワンオペ育児を乗り切る (Survive solo parenting)
Amorces de conversation
"今年の夏は本当に暑いですね。どうやって乗り切っていますか? (This summer is really hot. How are you getting through it?)"
"仕事が山場ですが、あと少しで乗り切れそうです。 (Work is at its climax, but it looks like I'll pull through in a bit.)"
"以前、大きなピンチを乗り切った経験はありますか? (Do you have an experience of pulling through a big pinch before?)"
"不景気ですが、みんなで力を合わせて乗り切りましょう。 (The economy is bad, but let's all pull through together.)"
"テスト期間を乗り切るための秘訣を教えてください。 (Please tell me your secret for surviving the test period.)"
Sujets d'écriture
最近、自分が「乗り切った」と感じた出来事について詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about an event you felt you 'pulled through' recently.)
厳しい冬や熱い夏を乗り切るために、あなたがいつもしている工夫は何ですか? (What are the tricks you always use to get through a harsh winter or hot summer?)
将来、大きな困難に直面したとき、どのように乗り切りたいですか? (When you face a big difficulty in the future, how do you want to pull through it?)
「乗り切る」と「乗り越える」の違いについて、自分の経験を交えて考察してください。 (Reflect on the difference between 'norikiru' and 'norikoeru' using your own experiences.)
チームや家族で何かを乗り切ったときの思い出を書いてください。 (Write about a memory of pulling through something with a team or family.)
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo. For a bridge, use 'wataru' (cross). 'Norikiru' is for abstract situations like crises or periods of time. Using it for a bridge would sound like the bridge was a dangerous, life-threatening ordeal you had to survive.
It is neutral and can be used in both contexts. In formal business reports, it sounds professional. In casual conversation, it sounds natural and determined.
'Norikoeru' means to climb over an obstacle (like a wall or grief). 'Norikiru' means to sail through a duration or crisis (like summer or a recession).
Yes, but it implies the whole 'period' of exams was a struggle you had to get through. If you mean 'passing' the test, use 'goukakusuru'.
It is a Godan verb. Norikiru (present), Norikitta (past), Norikire (imperative), Norikirou (volitional), Norikireru (potential).
Generally, no. It implies hardship. If you say you 'norikiru'-ed a party, it sounds like the party was terrible and you were just waiting for it to end.
It is a transitive verb, so it takes 'wo' (を) for the situation or period you are getting through.
Yes, 'kiru' as a suffix often means to do something to the end or thoroughly. 'Norikiru' means riding through to the very end.
Yes, 'byouki wo norikiru' or 'kaze wo norikiru' means to get through the difficult period of being sick.
'Nantoka' (somehow) is very common, as in 'Nantoka norikitta' (I somehow pulled through).
Teste-toi 200 questions
Translate: 'I managed to get through the busy season.'
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Translate: 'Let's get through the summer heat together.'
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Write a sentence using '乗り切る' and '貯金' (savings).
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Write a sentence using '乗り切る' and '不況' (recession).
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Translate: 'We cannot pull through this crisis without help.'
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Write a sentence using '乗り切る' in the potential form.
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Translate: 'He survived the ordeal with his wisdom.'
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Write a sentence about surviving a busy week.
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Translate: 'How should we navigate this situation?'
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Write a sentence using '乗り切る' and '笑顔' (smile).
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Translate: 'The company weathered the risk of bankruptcy.'
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Write a sentence using '乗り切る' in the negative potential form.
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Translate: 'Let's unite to weather the national crisis.'
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Write a sentence about surviving the winter cold.
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Translate: 'I pull through the exam season by sleeping well.'
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Write a sentence using '乗り切る' and '協力' (cooperation).
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Translate: 'He weathered the storm of criticism.'
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Write a sentence using '乗り切る' and '工夫' (ingenuity).
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Translate: 'It was a difficult time, but we pulled through.'
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Write a sentence about surviving a project deadline.
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How do you survive the summer heat? (Use 乗り切る)
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Encourage a friend who is busy with work. (Use 乗り切る)
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Talk about a recent difficulty you pulled through. (Use 乗り切る)
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How can a company survive a recession? (Use 乗り切る)
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Explain the difference between 'norikiru' and 'norikoeru'.
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What is necessary to weather a national crisis? (Use 乗り切る)
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How do you get through a busy exam season? (Use 乗り切る)
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Tell your boss you can handle the deadline. (Use 乗り切る)
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Describe a ship in a storm. (Use 乗り切る)
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Encourage your team before a big project. (Use 乗り切る)
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How do you tide over until payday? (Use 乗り切る)
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What would you do in a 'zettai zetsumei' pinch? (Use 乗り切る)
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Talk about surviving the winter cold. (Use 乗り切る)
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How do you handle a lot of homework? (Use 乗り切る)
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Describe a politician handling a scandal. (Use 乗り切る)
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What is the key to weathering a currency crisis? (Use 乗り切る)
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How do you pull through a day with no sleep? (Use 乗り切る)
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How can one survive a difficult breakup? (Use 乗り切る)
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Tell a child to endure a bitter medicine. (Use 乗り切る)
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What is your motto for getting through hard times?
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Audio: 'Kono natsu wa atsui desu ne. Unagi wo tabete norikirou!' Q: What will they eat to pull through?
Audio: 'Nantoka kikinorikiri saku wo tatemashita.' Q: What did they create?
Audio: 'Kono yosan de wa norikirenai yo.' Q: Does the speaker think the budget is enough?
Audio: 'Hanbouki wo norikitta ato wa, yasumi ga toreru.' Q: When can they take a break?
Audio: 'Chie wo dashiatte, nan-kyoku wo norikirou.' Q: How will they pull through the difficult situation?
Audio: 'Kare wa shuraba wo norikitta keiken ga aru.' Q: What kind of experience does he have?
Audio: 'Buji ni shujutsu wo norikirimashita.' Q: Was the surgery successful?
Audio: 'Ato sukoshi da kara, norikitte!' Q: What is the speaker doing?
Audio: 'Fukyou no aranami wo norikiru kagi wa gourika da.' Q: What is the key to weathering the recession?
Audio: 'Kanojo no nintairyoku ga, hanbouki wo norikiraseta.' Q: What allowed her to pull through the busy season?
Audio: 'Kore de kongetsu wa norikireru hazu da.' Q: Is the speaker confident about this month?
Audio: 'Mizou no kokunan wo norikiru ni wa, riidaashippu ga hitsuyou da.' Q: What is needed to weather the national crisis?
Audio: 'Kaze wo norikiru tame ni, vitamin wo toru.' Q: Why take vitamins?
Audio: 'Kare wa egao de gyakkyou wo norikitta.' Q: How did he weather the adversity?
Audio: 'Kono yosan de wa norikirenai to kigusha sareru.' Q: What is feared?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use '乗り切る' (norikiru) when you want to describe getting through a specific, challenging duration of time or a situational crisis. For example: 'Kono natsu wo norikiru' (Survive this summer).
- Norikiru means to weather or tide over a difficult period or crisis.
- It comes from 'riding' (noru) and 'cutting' (kiru), suggesting a ship cutting through waves.
- Commonly used for surviving heat, recessions, busy work seasons, or illnesses.
- Focuses on endurance and reaching the end of a hard time rather than just climbing over an obstacle.
Think Nautical
Always remember the image of a ship cutting through waves. It helps you remember that 'norikiru' is about movement through a medium (time/crisis).
Potential Form
Use 'norikireru' when you want to reassure someone or yourself that the current situation is manageable.
Summer Survival
In Japan, 'norikiru' is the unofficial verb of summer. Use it when talking about how you handle the heat!
Compound Power
Notice how '-kiru' changes the meaning of 'noru' from just 'riding' to 'surviving/completing.' This is a common pattern in Japanese.
Exemple
大変な時期だったが、なんとか乗り切ることができた。
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