Translation guide
The English verb 'diverge' describes things moving apart, differing, or deviating from a norm. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express these ideas, from physical separation to abstract differences.
To describe roads, paths, or lines that split and go in different directions.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to branch off' or 'to fork'. Used for roads, rivers, and paths physically separating.
道が二つに分かれている。
The road diverges into two paths.
Slightly more formal/technical term for branching or forking, often used for roads, railways, or pipelines.
線路は駅の先で分岐する。
The tracks diverge beyond the station.
To express that opinions, interests, or paths in life become different.
General verb meaning 'to differ' or 'to be different'. Used for opinions, views, or characteristics that diverge.
意見が大きく異なる。
Opinions diverge greatly.
To be at odds, to conflict, to not match. Emphasizes a discrepancy or clash between two things.
Literally 'the directionality is different'. Used when plans, goals, or approaches diverge.
プロジェクトの方向性が違ってきた。
The project's direction has started to diverge.
To describe something that moves away from an expected path, rule, or average.
Formal term for deviation, often used in rules, norms, or standards. Can sound stiff in casual speech.
彼の行動は規範から逸脱している。
His behavior diverges from the norm.
To deviate, to be off (from a target, expectation, or norm). Common in everyday speech.
予想から外れた結果になった。
The result diverged from expectations.
To shift, to be out of alignment. Used for slight divergences from a standard or schedule.
Used in technical contexts like mathematics, physics, or biology to describe series, sequences, or evolutionary paths.
Mathematical term for divergence (e.g., of a series or vector field). Also used for rays of light spreading out.
この数列は発散する。
This sequence diverges.
Used in evolutionary biology or cladistics for species divergence.
種が分岐する過程を研究する。
We study the process by which species diverge.
分かれる is the everyday word for roads or paths splitting. 分岐する is more technical and often used in written descriptions of transportation networks or diagrams.
逸脱する is quite formal and can sound judgmental. In casual conversation, 外れる or ずれる are more natural for 'deviating'.
二人の証言が食い違っている。
Their testimonies diverge.
The conversation is diverging from the main topic.