Translation guide
The English word "curve" can refer to a bent line, a bend in a road, a graph line, or a curved shape. This guide covers the most common Japanese equivalents for each meaning, from everyday words to technical terms.
Describing a line or shape that is not straight, like a curve in a drawing or a curved object.
The most general word for a curved line, used in mathematics, art, and everyday description.
This curve is beautiful.
A loanword from English, often used for gentle curves, especially in roads, sports, or design. Less formal than 曲線.
Refers to a curved shape, often used for physical objects like a curved blade or a bent pipe. More technical or descriptive.
Talking about a curve in a road, path, or track.
The most common word for a curve in a road. Used in driving, cycling, and everyday conversation.
Referring to a line on a graph that represents data, often curved.
The standard term for a curve on a graph, used in mathematics, science, and economics.
Describing something that is not flat, like a curved surface or a body part.
The action of making something curved or bending.
Transitive verb meaning to bend something. Use this when you are curving an object.
曲線 is the standard word for a curved line in mathematics, art, and formal contexts. カーブ is a loanword often used for gentle curves in roads, sports, and casual conversation. Use 曲線 for precision, カーブ for everyday bends.
I drew a curve in math class.
The road curves to the left.
Please draw a curve on the graph.
This road has a gentle curve.
He is good at drawing curves.
この刀は湾曲している。
This sword is curved.
Please turn at the next curve.
This curve is sharp, so be careful.
Literally 'turning corner', used for a bend in a road, especially at an intersection or a sharp turn.
Turn left at that curve.
A more formal or technical term for a bend or curve, often used in geography or engineering.
The road has many curves.
This curve shows supply and demand.
The curve is sloping upward to the right.
A more casual way to say 'the line on the graph', not necessarily curved, but often used when the shape is a curve.
This line on the graph is curved.
Refers to a curved surface, used in mathematics, design, and everyday description of objects.
This chair has a beautiful curve.
Curved displays are popular.
Can also be used for curved surfaces, especially when emphasizing the bending or arching shape.
The spine is curved.
Sometimes used for body curves or design, but 曲線 or 曲面 are more precise.
She has beautiful body curves.
I bent the wire into a curve and made a ring.
Intransitive verb meaning to bend or curve by itself. Use this when something is curved or bends naturally.
This road curves to the right.
Causative form of 湾曲する, meaning to make something curved. More formal or technical.
Curve the pipe.
あのカーブは危ない。
That curve is dangerous.
While カーブ is common, it may sound unnatural for precise mathematical curves or formal writing. Stick to 曲線 in those cases.
Draw a curve on the paper.
She has an elegant curve to her back.