Translation guide
The concept of irregularity covers a range of meanings from 'not following rules or patterns' to 'something uneven or inconsistent'. In Japanese, there is no single word that covers all uses. The best translation depends on what is irregular.
Describing actions, events, or things that deviate from established rules, standards, or what is normal.
The most common and general term for irregularity, meaning 'irregular', 'unsteady', or 'sporadic'. Used for patterns, schedules, and grammar.
彼は不規則な生活を送っている。
He leads an irregular lifestyle.
不規則動詞の活用を覚える。
Memorize the conjugation of irregular verbs.
Means 'irregular' in the sense of deviating from the norm or standard procedure. Often used for methods, rules, or arrangements.
変則的な方法で問題を解決した。
We solved the problem using an irregular method.
Refers to something exceptional, unprecedented, or out of the ordinary. Often used for events or cases that break precedent.
異例の早さで昇進した。
He was promoted with irregular speed.
Means 'exception'. Use when irregularity is a specific case that does not follow the rule.
この規則には例外がある。
There are irregularities in this rule.
Describing surfaces, shapes, or distributions that are not smooth, even, or consistent.
Means 'uneven', 'not uniform', or 'irregular' in size, shape, or quality. Often used for sets of things.
不揃いの野菜を安く売っている。
They sell irregular vegetables cheaply.
Describes an uneven, bumpy surface. Literally 'convex-concave'. Used for roads, skin, etc.
Refers to unevenness in color, texture, or distribution. Often used for paint, cooking, or performance.
ペンキにむらがある。
The paint has irregularities.
Describing something that is not steady or predictable, such as performance, heartbeat, or schedule.
Means 'irregular', 'unsettled', or 'abnormal'. Commonly used for weather, seasons, or bodily functions.
天候不順で作物が育たない。
Crops won't grow due to irregular weather.
生理不順に悩んでいる。
She suffers from irregular periods.
Medical term for 'arrhythmia' or irregular heartbeat.
Referring to words that do not follow standard conjugation or declension patterns.
Standard term for 'irregular verb'.
英語には不規則動詞がたくさんある。
English has many irregular verbs.
English 'irregularity' is often used in formal or technical contexts. In casual Japanese, it's more natural to describe the specific type of irregularity (e.g., 'not fixed', 'uneven', 'different from usual') rather than using a single abstract noun.
この道は凸凹していて歩きにくい。
This road is irregular and hard to walk on.
不整脈の治療を受ける。
Receive treatment for irregular heartbeat.
Means 'irregular conjugation'.
この動詞は不規則活用をする。
This verb has an irregular conjugation.