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.
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.
この背景は青から緑のグラデーションになっています。
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.
夕焼けの色の移り変わりが美しい。
The gradient of colors in the sunset is beautiful.
Refers to a blur or gradation effect, often used in image editing or traditional art. It implies a soft, blended transition.
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.
A physical slope, such as a road or hill, often expressed as a percentage or angle.
The standard term for a slope or gradient in engineering, geography, and everyday contexts. Used for roads, railways, and land.
この道は勾配が急だから、自転車では大変だ。
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.
The everyday word for 'hill' or 'slope'. Not a direct translation of 'gradient', but used in phrases like 'steep gradient' (急な坂).
The rate at which a quantity changes with respect to another, such as in calculus or physics.
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.
この関数の勾配を計算してください。
Please calculate the gradient of this function.
Often used for the slope of a line in basic algebra. More common in school-level math.
A direct loanword used in technical contexts like machine learning (e.g., gradient descent). Less common than 勾配.
勾配降下法は英語で gradient descent と言います。
Gradient descent is called 'gradient descent' in English.
A gradual change in temperature, pressure, or other physical quantity over a distance.
Used in physics and meteorology for gradients of temperature, pressure, etc.
気温の勾配が大きいと風が強くなる。
When the temperature gradient is large, the wind becomes strong.
Specifically 'temperature gradient'. A compound word often used in technical writing.
この地域の温度勾配を調べる。
Investigate the temperature gradient in this region.
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.
このグラデーションは色が徐々に変化している。
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.
彼の感情は怒りから悲しみへとグラデーションのように変わった。
His emotions changed like a gradient from anger to sadness.
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.
この坂の勾配は急だ。
The gradient of this hill is steep.
傾斜が緩やかな道を選ぶ。
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.
この坂の勾配は5パーセントです。
The gradient of this hill is 5%.
この夕焼けの写真のグラデーションが大好きです。
I love the gradient in this sunset photo.
Climb a hill with a 10 percent gradient.
What is the gradient of this slope?
直線の傾きを求めなさい。
Find the gradient of the straight line.