Translation guide
The English word 'rigid' describes something stiff, inflexible, or strict. In Japanese, different words are used depending on whether you mean physically stiff, mentally strict, or systematically inflexible.
Describing an object or material that does not bend or change shape easily.
The most common word for 'hard' or 'stiff'. Can be used for a wide range of physical objects.
This board is very rigid.
It's made of a rigid material.
A more technical term meaning 'having rigidity', often used in engineering or product descriptions.
It uses a rigid frame.
Similar to 硬い but often implies firmness or tightness, like a firm handshake or a tightly packed object. Less common for general 'rigid'.
They exchanged a firm handshake.
Describing rules, systems, or organizations that are not flexible or adaptable.
Means 'strict' or 'rigid' in the sense of rules or standards. Commonly used for regulations, discipline, or criteria.
This school has rigid rules.
They have established rigid screening criteria.
Literally 'stiffened', used metaphorically for systems or thinking that are rigid and unable to adapt. Often negative.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'inflexible' or 'unaccommodating'. Used for people, rules, or systems that won't bend.
A set phrase meaning 'rigidly by the book', 'inflexible', or 'mechanical' in applying rules. Often used critically.
Describing a person's body language or demeanor as stiff, unrelaxed, or formal.
When describing a person as 'rigid' in English, it often means they are inflexible in thinking or behavior. Direct translations like 硬い人 (katai hito) can sound odd. Use 考え方が硬直している (kangaekata ga kōchoku shite iru) or 融通が利かない (yūzū ga kikanai) instead.
All read as かたい (katai). 硬い is for hard/stiff objects (rigid material). 堅い is for firm/tight things (firm handshake, solid defense). 固い is for solid/firm things (solid ice, firm resolve). For 'rigid', 硬い is usually the best choice for physical stiffness, while 堅い and 固い have overlapping but distinct nuances.
Innovation is difficult in a rigid organization.
His way of thinking is rigid.
We are bound by rigid rules.
Customers will leave if you take a rigid, by-the-book approach.
Means 'stiff', 'formal', or 'ceremonious', often used for atmosphere or behavior that is overly rigid and uncomfortable.
Let's skip the rigid formalities.