Translation guide
The English word "bent" can describe a physical shape, a personal inclination, or a determined state. This guide covers the most common Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing something that is physically bent, curved, or crooked.
The most common and neutral way to say something is bent or curved. It is the past tense of 曲がる (to bend), used as an adjective.
This pipe is bent.
Go straight along the bent road.
A more formal or technical term for curved or bent, often used for shapes like arcs or bends in objects.
a knife with a curved blade
A technical term for sharply bent or flexed, used in anatomy or engineering.
a sharply bent road
Referring to a person's natural tendency, aptitude, or leaning toward something.
A general term for tendency or inclination. Can be used for both people and things.
He has an artistic bent.
Refers to one's innate disposition or nature. Often used for personal inclinations.
Natural qualities or aptitude, often used for talents or abilities.
Suitability or orientation toward something. Often used in phrases like 〜向き (suited for).
Describing someone who is resolute or intent on a course of action.
A clear way to express being bent on doing something, meaning 'determined to do.'
He is bent on succeeding.
Expresses intention or being set on doing something, often with a strong will.
Means to stick stubbornly to something, implying a negative bent.
Do not directly translate 'bent' as 曲がった when referring to a person's inclination. Use words like 傾向 or 性分 instead.
He has an artistic bent.
彼は心配性の性分だ。
He has a worrying bent.
彼女はリーダーとしての資質がある。
She has a bent for leadership.
He has a scholarly bent.
She is bent on quitting the company.
He is bent on his own opinion.