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.
この線は不連続だ。
This line is discontinuous.
データに不連続な点がある。
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.
彼の声が途切れ途切れに聞こえた。
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.
この道路は連続していない。
This road is discontinuous.
Referring to a mathematical function that is not continuous at one or more points.
The standard term in mathematics for 'discontinuous'. Used in phrases like 不連続関数 (discontinuous function).
この関数はx=0で不連続である。
This function is discontinuous at x=0.
A less formal way to say 'not continuous' in a mathematical context. Often used in explanations.
その関数は連続でない点を持つ。
That function has discontinuous 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.
断続的な雨が一日中降っていた。
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).
地層に不連続面が見られる。
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.
このパイプはつながっていない。
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.
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.