Translation guide
The English word "deviation" can refer to a departure from a norm, a statistical measure, or a divergence from a path. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning, from everyday phrases to technical terms.
Expressing that something is different from what is usual, expected, or accepted.
The most direct translation for 'deviation' in the sense of straying from rules, norms, or standards. Often used in formal or written contexts.
His behavior is a deviation from social norms.
A common, everyday word for a gap, discrepancy, or slight deviation. Used in casual and spoken Japanese.
There is a deviation between the plan and reality.
Refers to bias, skew, or deviation in distribution, often used in statistics or when talking about unevenness.
A deviation can be seen in the data.
Means abnormality or anomaly. Used when deviation implies something wrong or pathological. More medical/technical.
No deviation was found in the test results.
Referring to the amount by which a single measurement differs from a fixed value such as the mean.
Describing a physical or metaphorical departure from a set route or direction.
The noun form of the verb 逸れる (to stray). Used for deviating from a path, topic, or expected course.
The conversation deviated from the main topic.
Also used for deviation from a path or procedure, though more formal than それ.
Literally 'to stray from the path', used metaphorically for moral deviation or going astray.
逸脱 (itsudatsu) is formal and often implies a violation of rules or norms. ずれ (zure) is casual and refers to a misalignment or gap. Use 逸脱 for serious or official contexts, and ずれ for everyday discrepancies.
The English word 'deviation' is often translated as 逸脱, but in casual conversation, ずれ or それ might be more natural. Avoid using 逸脱 for minor, everyday differences.
The actual value deviates significantly from the forecast.
手順からの逸脱は許されない。
Deviation from the procedure is not allowed.
In his youth, he led a life of deviation from the right path.