Translation guide
Describes something becoming rigid, hard, or difficult to move, either physically or metaphorically. Covers physical stiffness in objects and body parts, as well as emotional or social tension.
The bread became stiff.
This clay becomes stiff when it dries.
More formal or technical, often used for materials or body parts becoming rigid.
My fingers became stiff from the cold.
To describe muscles or joints becoming stiff, sore, or difficult to move, often due to exercise, cold, or tension.
Specifically for muscle stiffness or knots, especially in shoulders and neck.
My shoulders became stiff.
My neck became stiff from driving for a long time.
General phrase for the body becoming stiff, often from cold or lack of movement.
My body became stiff from the cold.
Describes muscles or body parts becoming tense and stiff, often from nervousness or cold.
To describe a person's demeanor, expression, or atmosphere becoming stiff, tense, or awkward.
Used for facial expressions or body language becoming stiff due to nervousness or fear.
His expression became stiff from nervousness.
Describes the atmosphere becoming stiff or awkward.
Means to become overly formal or stiff in manner, often in social situations.
The meeting quickly became stiff and formal.
To describe body parts becoming stiff or numb due to cold temperatures.
固くなる is the most common and versatile for physical stiffness. 硬直する is more formal and often used in medical or technical contexts, or for sudden rigidity.
For emotional or social stiffness, avoid directly translating 'become stiff' as 固くなる for people. Use こわばる for expressions or 雰囲気が固くなる for atmosphere.
緊張で顔がこわばった。
My face became stiff from tension.
When he entered, the atmosphere in the room became stiff.
凍えるような寒さで体が動かない。
It's so cold my body is stiff and I can't move.