Translation guide
The English word 'gradient' refers to a gradual change in a property like color, temperature, or slope. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, different words and patterns are used depending on what is changing and in what context.
color gradient
steep gradient (slope)
A smooth transition between colors, as in design or art.
The most common and natural way to say 'gradient' for colors. A loanword from English, widely used in design, art, and everyday conversation.
This background has a gradient from blue to green.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'color transition'. Used when you want to emphasize the gradual change of colors.
Refers to a blur or gradation effect, often used in image editing or traditional art. It implies a soft, blended transition.
A physical slope, such as a road or hill, often expressed as a percentage or angle.
The rate at which a quantity changes with respect to another, such as in calculus or physics.
A gradual change in temperature, pressure, or other physical quantity over a distance.
Any kind of gradual transition or progression, not limited to color or slope.
A general phrase meaning 'gradual change'. Use this when no specific term fits.
勾配 (こうばい) and 傾斜 (けいしゃ) both mean 'slope' or 'gradient' and are often interchangeable. 勾配 is slightly more common in engineering and everyday road signs, while 傾斜 can sound a bit more formal. 坂 (さか) simply means 'hill' or 'slope' and is used in casual speech.
The gradient of this hill is steep.
The gradient of this hill is 5%.
The gradient of colors in the sunset is beautiful.
写真にぼかしを入れて背景を目立たなくする。
Add a gradient blur to the photo to make the background less noticeable.
The standard term for a slope or gradient in engineering, geography, and everyday contexts. Used for roads, railways, and land.
This road has a steep gradient, so it's tough on a bicycle.
Also means slope or inclination. Slightly more formal or technical than 勾配, but often interchangeable.
Climb a hill with a 10 percent gradient.
The everyday word for 'hill' or 'slope'. Not a direct translation of 'gradient', but used in phrases like 'steep gradient' (急な坂).
What is the gradient of this slope?
In mathematics, 勾配 is the standard term for the gradient of a scalar field or the slope of a line. Used in vector calculus and machine learning.
Please calculate the gradient of this function.
Often used for the slope of a line in basic algebra. More common in school-level math.
Find the gradient of the straight line.
A direct loanword used in technical contexts like machine learning (e.g., gradient descent). Less common than 勾配.
Gradient descent is called 'gradient descent' in English.
Used in physics and meteorology for gradients of temperature, pressure, etc.
When the temperature gradient is large, the wind becomes strong.
Specifically 'temperature gradient'. A compound word often used in technical writing.
Investigate the temperature gradient in this region.
In this gradient, the colors are gradually changing.
While primarily for color, it can be extended metaphorically to other gradual changes, especially in casual contexts.
His emotions changed like a gradient from anger to sadness.
Choose a road with a gentle gradient.
The loanword グラディエント is mainly used in technical fields like mathematics and machine learning. For color gradients, always use グラデーション.
I love the gradient in this sunset photo.