Translation guide
The English verb "distort" covers physical warping, misrepresenting facts, and altering signals or images. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being distorted and how.
To bend, twist, or pull something out of its natural shape, often with force or heat.
General verb for physically distorting a shape, often implying a loss of original form. Can be used for objects, faces, etc.
熱でプラスチックが歪んだ。
The plastic distorted from the heat.
彼は痛みで顔を歪めた。
He distorted his face in pain.
To bend something, often intentionally. Less severe than 歪める; implies a change in shape but not necessarily a ruined form.
針金を曲げてフックを作った。
I bent the wire to make a hook.
Technical term for deforming or distorting a shape, often used in engineering or scientific contexts.
圧力によって金属が変形した。
The metal distorted under pressure.
To twist the truth, give a false impression, or alter information to deceive or mislead.
Strongest and most direct equivalent for distorting facts, truth, or statements. Often used in serious contexts like media, politics, or history.
彼は事実を歪曲して伝えた。
He distorted the facts.
その記事は彼の発言を歪曲している。
The article distorts his remarks.
Literally 'twist and bend'; metaphorically means to distort or pervert facts, rules, or logic. Stronger and more colloquial than 歪曲する.
To misinterpret or twist someone's words intentionally. More about misunderstanding than outright lying.
彼は私の言葉を曲解した。
He distorted my words.
To change the quality of audio, video, or data, often unintentionally or through technical means.
Intransitive verb for something becoming distorted, like an image or sound. Often used for technical distortion.
スピーカーの音が歪んでいる。
The speaker sound is distorted.
画面が歪んで見える。
The screen looks distorted.
Transitive form of 歪む; to cause distortion in a signal or image.
そのエフェクターはギターの音を歪ませる。
That pedal distorts the guitar sound.
Specifically for applying distortion as an audio effect, especially in music. Loanword from English.
ボーカルにディストーションをかける。
Apply distortion to the vocals.
歪める (yugameru) is for physical distortion; 歪曲する (waikyoku suru) is for abstract distortion of facts or statements. Do not use 歪める for misrepresenting information.
顔を歪める (OK) / 事実を歪める (NG)
distort one's face (OK) / distort facts (NG)
English 'distort' is often used metaphorically (e.g., 'distort the truth'), but Japanese 歪む (yugamu) is primarily physical. Use 歪曲する for abstract distortion.
彼は規則を捻じ曲げて解釈した。
He distorted the rules to his advantage.