Translation guide
The English word "deformation" covers physical distortion, structural change, and technical shape alteration. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese term based on context.
Describing a change in shape due to force, heat, or pressure, often in everyday objects.
General term for change in shape, used for both intentional and accidental deformation. Common in everyday and technical contexts.
このプラスチックは熱で変形しやすい。
This plastic deforms easily with heat.
衝突で車のボディが変形した。
The car body was deformed in the collision.
Emphasizes distortion, warping, or strain, often implying an undesirable or abnormal shape. Used for both physical and metaphorical distortion.
木の板が湿気で歪んでいる。
The wooden board is warped from moisture.
Refers to strain or deformation, often in engineering or materials science. Can also mean distortion in signals or images.
金属にひずみが生じた。
Strain occurred in the metal.
Referring to large-scale changes in shape, such as in rocks, earth's crust, or structures.
Also used in geology and structural engineering for deformation of materials or landforms.
地層の変形を調査する。
Investigate the deformation of strata.
Technical term for displacement or deformation in geology and physics, focusing on change in position or shape.
Technical contexts: elastic/plastic deformation, stress-strain relationships.
Standard term in physics and engineering for any change in shape.
塑性変形は永久に残る。
Plastic deformation remains permanently.
Often used for strain, the measure of deformation. Common in engineering.
Describing distortion of facts, truth, or abstract concepts.
Deliberate distortion or misrepresentation of facts, truth, or statements. Strongly negative connotation.
事実を歪曲して報道する。
Report by distorting the facts.
Can be used metaphorically for distortion in perception, relationships, or systems.
変形 is the most general and neutral term for change in shape. 歪み implies an undesirable or abnormal warping, often visible. ひずみ is more technical, referring to strain or deformation in materials, and can also mean distortion in signals or images.
When talking about distorting facts or truth, do not use 変形. Use 歪曲 (わいきょく) for deliberate misrepresentation, or 歪み (ゆがみ) for cognitive or perceptual distortion.
Ground displacement due to a fault.
Examine the relationship between stress and strain.
Correct cognitive distortions.