Translation guide
The English word "discontinuous" describes something that is not continuous, meaning it has breaks, gaps, or interruptions. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives, verbs, and technical terms depending on the context, such as describing physical gaps, interrupted actions, or mathematical discontinuity.
Describing something that is not continuous in a general sense, such as a line, surface, or series with interruptions.
The most direct translation for 'discontinuous' in a general or technical sense. Used for things like lines, data, or phenomena that are not continuous.
This line is discontinuous.
There is a discontinuous point in the data.
Describes something that is intermittent or broken into pieces, often used for sounds, speech, or paths. More colloquial than 不連続.
His voice sounded discontinuous (came in fits and starts).
A straightforward phrase meaning 'not continuous'. Can be used in various contexts when you want to negate continuity.
This road is discontinuous.
Referring to a mathematical function that is not continuous at one or more points.
Describing an action or process that is not continuous, but rather stops and starts.
Means 'intermittent' or 'discontinuous' for actions or events. Often used for rain, noise, or efforts.
Intermittent (discontinuous) rain fell all day.
Describes something that occurs at intervals, skipping some parts. Often used for scattered or sporadic occurrences.
Describing physical objects or areas that are not connected or have gaps between them.
Used for physical discontinuity, such as in geology (e.g., 不連続面 - discontinuity surface).
A discontinuous surface can be seen in the strata.
A common way to say 'not connected' or 'discontinuous' for physical things like roads, lines, or networks.
This pipe is discontinuous (not connected).
不連続 (furenzoku) is the most direct and formal term for 'discontinuous', used in technical and general contexts. 断続的 (danzokuteki) emphasizes intermittency, often for recurring actions or phenomena. 途切れ途切れ (togire togire) is colloquial and describes something broken into fragments, like speech or a path.
While 非連続 (hirenzoku) can be found in some dictionaries, it is less common than 不連続 and may sound unnatural. Stick to 不連続 for most cases.
That function has discontinuous points.
彼の説明は飛び飛びでわかりにくかった。
His explanation was discontinuous (skipping around) and hard to understand.