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.
The plastic distorted from the heat.
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.
I bent the wire to make a hook.
Technical term for deforming or distorting a shape, often used in engineering or scientific contexts.
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.
He distorted the facts.
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.
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.
The speaker sound is distorted.
The screen looks distorted.
Transitive form of 歪む; to cause distortion in a signal or image.
That pedal distorts the guitar sound.
Specifically for applying distortion as an audio effect, especially in music. Loanword from English.
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.
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.
He distorted the rules to his advantage.