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.
Referring to a person's natural tendency, aptitude, or leaning toward something.
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.'
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.
曲がった道をまっすぐ進んでください。
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
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.
He has a worrying bent.
Natural qualities or aptitude, often used for talents or abilities.
She has a bent for leadership.
Suitability or orientation toward something. Often used in phrases like 〜向き (suited for).
He has a scholarly bent.
He is bent on succeeding.
Expresses intention or being set on doing something, often with a strong will.
She is bent on quitting the company.
Means to stick stubbornly to something, implying a negative bent.
He is bent on his own opinion.