Translation guide
The English word "abnormal" covers a range of meanings from "not normal" to "unusual" or "irregular." In Japanese, the best translation depends on whether you are describing a medical condition, a social situation, a statistical deviation, or something supernatural. This guide helps you choose the most natural expression.
General use for something that is not normal, often with a neutral or slightly negative nuance.
The most direct and common translation. Can be used for physical conditions, behavior, weather, etc. Often implies something is wrong or out of the ordinary.
Recently, abnormal heat has been continuing.
His behavior is abnormal.
A more literal and softer way to say "not normal." Less clinical than 異常.
This situation is not normal.
Directly means "not normal" in the sense of not functioning properly. Often used for machines, systems, or medical states.
The test results showed that liver function was abnormal.
When something is not just deviant but also odd or weird, often with a negative or suspicious connotation.
Common word for "strange" or "weird." Very colloquial. Can be used for people, situations, or things.
That person is a bit abnormal/strange.
There's a strange noise.
Means "strange," "funny," or "not right." Can imply something is wrong or suspicious.
Means "bizarre" or "eerie." Stronger than 変, often used for atmospheres or appearances.
Used in clinical or health contexts to describe conditions, test results, or symptoms.
Describing data or phenomena that deviate significantly from the average or expected distribution.
Referring to phenomena beyond scientific understanding, like psychic powers or ghosts.
Calling a person "abnormal" directly (異常な人) can sound very harsh and clinical. In casual conversation, use 変な人 (strange person) or ちょっと変わった人 (a bit unusual person) to soften the tone.
He's a bit unusual, but he's a good guy.
異常 (ijou) is formal and often used in technical/medical contexts. 変 (hen) is casual and means 'strange/weird.' おかしい (okashii) can mean 'funny/strange' but also 'suspicious/wrong.' Choose based on context and formality.
おかしいな、鍵が見つからない。
That's strange, I can't find my keys.
There was an abnormal/eerie atmosphere.
外れ値を除外して分析した。
We analyzed after excluding outliers.
Literally "abnormal phenomenon," can be used for supernatural events but is broader.
Abnormal phenomena have been reported in that area.