Translation guide
The English word 'kink' can refer to a twist or curl in something flexible, a muscle cramp, a flaw or difficulty, or an unconventional sexual preference. This guide helps learners express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Describing a sharp bend, twist, or tangle in something flexible like a rope, hose, wire, or hair.
A twist, kink, or warp. Commonly used for twisted ropes, wires, or threads.
This hose has a kink in it.
A twist or torsion, often implying something is twisted out of shape. Can be used for physical objects or abstract situations.
The cord is twisted and tangled.
A tangle or snarl, emphasizing the state of being tangled rather than a single twist.
There's a kink (tangle) in my hair.
A sudden, painful muscle contraction or a stiff neck/back.
Muscle stiffness or a knot, especially in the shoulders or neck. Very common in everyday conversation.
I have a kink in my shoulder.
A muscle cramp or spasm, often sudden and painful, like a charley horse.
A muscle strain or a crick, often used for a sudden painful twist in the neck or back.
A problem, defect, or unexpected difficulty in a plan, system, or process.
A problem point or flaw. Neutral and widely used.
There are a few kinks in the plan.
A malfunction, defect, or bug. Often used for technical or mechanical issues.
An obstacle or hindrance. Slightly formal, used when something interferes with progress.
A non-standard sexual interest or fetish. Often used in a lighthearted or self-aware way.
Short for 'fetish', widely understood and used casually. Can refer to any specific sexual preference or obsession.
He has a foot kink.
Literally 'pervert'. Can be used jokingly or self-deprecatingly among close friends, but is generally derogatory. Use with caution.
Can be offensive if used seriously. Only use in very casual, joking contexts with people you know well.
The loanword キンク (kinku) is rarely used in Japanese and may not be understood. It is not a natural way to express any of these meanings. Stick to the Japanese words provided.
There is a kink (unnatural)
こり is a dull, persistent stiffness (like a knot in your shoulder), while つり is a sudden, sharp cramp (like a charley horse). Use こり for chronic tension and つり for acute spasms.
My shoulder stiffness is bad. (こり)
I got a cramp in my leg while swimming. (つり)
I got a kink (cramp) in my leg.
I got a kink in my neck.
システムに不具合が見つかった。
We found a kink in the system.
This will cause a kink in our operations.
Sexual preference or orientation. A more formal, clinical term. Can be used to describe kinks in a neutral way.
That's one of his kinks.
I have a bit of a kinky side.