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.
この曲線は美しい。
This curve is beautiful.
グラフに曲線を描いてください。
Please draw a curve on the graph.
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.
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.
数学の授業で曲線を描いた。
I drew a curve in math class.
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.
道が左にカーブしている。
The road curves to the left.
紙に曲線を描いて。
Draw a curve on the paper.
彼女は背中の曲線が優雅だ。
She has an elegant curve to her back.
This road has a gentle curve.
彼はカーブを描くのが上手だ。
He is good at drawing curves.
この刀は湾曲している。
This sword is curved.
次のカーブを曲がってください。
Please turn at the next curve.
このカーブは急だから気をつけて。
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.
あの曲がり角を左に曲がって。
Turn left at that curve.
A more formal or technical term for a bend or curve, often used in geography or engineering.
道路の屈曲が多い。
The road has many curves.
The standard term for a curve on a graph, used in mathematics, science, and economics.
この曲線は需要と供給を示している。
This curve shows supply and demand.
曲線が右肩上がりだ。
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.
このグラフの線が曲がっている。
This line on the graph is curved.
Refers to a curved surface, used in mathematics, design, and everyday description of objects.
この椅子は曲面が美しい。
This chair has a beautiful curve.
曲面ディスプレイが人気だ。
Curved displays are popular.
Can also be used for curved surfaces, especially when emphasizing the bending or arching shape.
背骨が湾曲している。
The spine is curved.
Sometimes used for body curves or design, but 曲線 or 曲面 are more precise.
彼女は体のカーブがきれいだ。
She has beautiful body curves.
針金を曲げて輪を作った。
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.
この道は右に曲がっている。
This road curves to the right.
Causative form of 湾曲する, meaning to make something curved. More formal or technical.
パイプを湾曲させる。
Curve the pipe.