Translation guide
The English word 'entanglement' covers physical tangling, complex involvement, and romantic affairs. Japanese uses different words for each nuance.
When objects like wires, hair, or threads become twisted together and hard to separate.
General noun for a tangle or entanglement of string-like things.
It took time to untangle the cord entanglement.
Often used for hair or threads that are snarled; can also be used metaphorically.
I brushed out the entanglement in my hair.
Being caught up in a complicated situation, relationship, or problem that is hard to escape.
The state of being drawn into a situation, often unwillingly. The verb 巻き込まれる is common.
He got entangled in trouble.
Involvement or connection, often used for relationships or affairs. Can be neutral or negative depending on context.
A minor dispute or trouble, often personal. Implies a messy entanglement.
A secret or complicated romantic relationship, often extramarital.
Specifically an extramarital affair; carries strong moral judgment.
He was in an entanglement (affair).
Cheating or a fling; can be used for non-marital relationships too. Less formal than 不倫.
Literally 'man-woman entanglement', used for complicated romantic troubles.
The incident was caused by a romantic entanglement.
A phenomenon where particles remain connected and affect each other regardless of distance.
The English word 'entanglement' covers many concepts. Do not assume a single Japanese word fits all. Use the specific term for the context: 絡まり for physical tangles, 巻き込まれ for involvement, 不倫 for affairs.
その事件への関わりを否定した。
He denied any entanglement in the incident.
近所とのいざこざに巻き込まれた。
I got entangled in a dispute with the neighbors.
Her entanglement (affair) was exposed.
An experiment on quantum entanglement was conducted.