Meaning and Usage
"転がす" (ころがす) primarily means "to roll" something over a surface. It is a transitive verb, so it requires a direct object — the thing being rolled. This verb is often used when describing the action of rolling balls, stones, or wheels.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear "転がす" in everyday situations involving play (like children rolling a ball), physical movement of objects (rolling stones or logs), or sounds related to rolling wheels.
Collocations and Patterns
- ボールを転がす: to roll a ball, common in sports or play contexts.
- 石を転がす: to roll a stone, often used in physical or outdoor contexts.
- タイヤを転がす: to roll tires, related to vehicles.
Register and Nuance
"転がす" is neutral in formality and can be used in casual and formal contexts. It emphasizes the deliberate action of causing something to roll.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "転がす" with "転がる" (ころがる), which is intransitive and means "to roll" by itself. Remember, "転がす" requires an object and means "to make something roll."