Translation guide
The English word "stiffness" can refer to physical rigidity of objects, bodily discomfort or reduced mobility, or a formal, awkward quality in behavior or style. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
Describing something that is hard to bend, not flexible, or rigid.
General term for hardness or stiffness of a material. Can be used for objects, food, etc.
この板の硬さはちょうどいい。
The stiffness of this board is just right.
Technical term for rigidity or stiffness, often used in engineering contexts.
This material has high stiffness.
Refers to stiffness from tension or drying, like starched fabric or a stiffened expression. Less common for objects.
The cloth is stiff with starch.
Describing a feeling of tightness, soreness, or reduced flexibility in the body.
Most common term for muscle stiffness or knots, especially in shoulders and neck.
I have terrible stiffness in my shoulders.
Often used for a feeling of tightness or tension in muscles, similar to stiffness but with a nuance of being stretched.
Refers to stiffness or rigidity, often used for joints or muscles that have become stiff due to cold, age, or lack of movement. More formal.
Common phrase meaning "stiff body" or lacking flexibility. Used in everyday conversation.
Describing a person's manner, social interaction, or writing style that is not relaxed or natural.
Describes a formal, stiff, or overly ceremonious atmosphere or person. Often negative nuance.
His speech was stiff and formal.
Means awkward, clumsy, or stiff in movement or social interaction. Implies lack of smoothness.
Can mean stiff in expression, writing, or personality. Often used for formal writing or a tense facial expression.
Describes a stiff, tense, or frozen expression or atmosphere, often from fear or anxiety.
She gave a stiff smile.
硬さ (かたさ) is the general term for hardness/stiffness of everyday objects. 剛性 (ごうせい) is a technical term used in engineering and physics for rigidity.
こり refers to knotted, sore stiffness (like shoulder knots). 張り refers to a tight, stretched feeling (like after exercise). They are often used together: 肩のこりと張り.
硬さ (かたさ) is for objects, not for muscle stiffness. Use こり or 体が硬い instead.
I have stiffness in my neck.
The stiffness of this metal makes it ideal for construction.
There was a stiffness in the air after the argument.
After exercise, I feel stiffness in my calves.
寒さで指が硬直した。
My fingers became stiff from the cold.
I started yoga because I'm stiff.
The conversation was stiff and awkward because we had just met.
His writing style is stiff.
My expression became stiff from nervousness.