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.
最近、異常な暑さが続いている。
Recently, abnormal heat has been continuing.
彼の行動は異常だ。
His behavior is abnormal.
A more literal and softer way to say "not normal." Less clinical than 異常.
この状況は普通ではない。
This situation is not normal.
Directly means "not normal" in the sense of not functioning properly. Often used for machines, systems, or medical states.
検査の結果、肝機能が正常ではないことがわかった。
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.
あの人はちょっと変だ。
That person is a bit abnormal/strange.
変な音がする。
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.
The standard medical term for "abnormal" in test results, symptoms, etc.
血液検査で異常が見つかった。
An abnormality was found in the blood test.
Common phrase meaning "no abnormalities" or "normal." Often used in medical reports.
検査の結果は異常なしでした。
The test results were normal (no abnormalities).
Describing data or phenomena that deviate significantly from the average or expected distribution.
Technical term for "abnormal value" or "outlier" in data.
このデータには異常値が含まれている。
This data contains abnormal values.
Specifically means "outlier" in statistics.
Referring to phenomena beyond scientific understanding, like psychic powers or ghosts.
Standard term for "paranormal phenomena."
彼は超常現象に詳しい。
He is knowledgeable about paranormal phenomena.
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.
彼はちょっと変わっているけど、いい人だよ。
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.
We analyzed after excluding outliers.
Literally "abnormal phenomenon," can be used for supernatural events but is broader.
その地域では異常現象が報告されている。
Abnormal phenomena have been reported in that area.