Translation guide
The English word 'diagonal' can refer to a line, direction, or orientation. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is ななめ (斜め), but other terms exist for specific contexts like mathematics, grids, or formal descriptions.
Describing something that is at an angle, not horizontal or vertical, in everyday situations.
The most common and versatile word for 'diagonal' or 'slanted'. Used for lines, directions, and positions.
斜めに線を引いてください。
Please draw a diagonal line.
その絵は斜めに掛かっている。
The picture is hanging diagonally.
Attributive form meaning 'diagonal' or 'slanted', used before nouns.
斜めの線
a diagonal line
Moving or facing in a diagonal direction, such as in navigation or games.
Adverbial form meaning 'diagonally'. Used with verbs of movement or position.
斜めに進んでください。
Please move diagonally.
彼は斜めに座った。
He sat diagonally (across from me).
Diagonally in front; often used to describe relative positions.
斜め前に座っている人
the person sitting diagonally in front
Diagonally behind.
斜め後ろから声がした。
I heard a voice from diagonally behind me.
Referring to the line segment connecting non-adjacent vertices in a polygon, or a matrix diagonal.
The mathematical term for a diagonal line in a polygon.
正方形の対角線の長さを計算する。
Calculate the length of the diagonal of a square.
Diagonal (as in matrix diagonal or opposite angle). Often used in compounds.
対角行列
diagonal matrix
Describing a pattern with diagonal lines, such as stripes or checks.
Diagonal stripes pattern.
斜めストライプのネクタイ
a tie with diagonal stripes
Diagonal lattice or grid pattern.
斜め格子のデザイン
a diagonal lattice design
Cutting something at an angle, such as vegetables or fabric.
Diagonal cut, often used in cooking.
ネギを斜め切りにする。
Cut the green onion diagonally.
To cut diagonally.
パンを斜めに切ってください。
Please cut the bread diagonally.
When describing relative positions like 'diagonally across the street', Japanese often uses 斜め向かい (ななめむかい) rather than a direct translation of 'diagonal'.