跳ねる

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 跳ねる is read as はねる and is an intransitive verb meaning for a fish or another object to leap, or for water, mud, or similar matter to splash.
• Basic usage: A fish leaping from the water appears in 魚が水面から跳ねる, while mud splashing onto clothes appears in 泥が服に跳ねる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The moving item is the subject
  • The leaping fish or splashing mud is marked with が, and context distinguishes a leap from a splash.
• Difference from 跳ぶ
  • Unlike the verb broadly used for jumping through the air or over something, this word readily describes a springing leap or liquid splashing.