Translation guide
The English word 'strain' has several distinct meanings. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean physical tension, mental stress, filtering, overexertion, or a biological strain.
When you want to talk about physical force, pressure, or tension applied to an object, material, or body part.
A general word for burden, load, or strain on something, both physical and metaphorical. Commonly used for strain on machines, body parts, or systems.
This exercise puts strain on your knees.
The heavy luggage is a strain on my lower back.
Technical term for tension or tensile strain, used in physics and engineering.
This material can withstand high strain.
Refers to strain as deformation or distortion in materials science. Also used metaphorically for distortion or adverse effects.
Strain occurred in the metal.
When referring to psychological pressure, stress, or mental burden.
The most common and natural word for mental or emotional strain. A loanword from English, widely used in daily conversation.
I can't sleep due to the strain of work.
Refers to nervous tension or mental strain, often in anticipation of something. Can also mean strained relations.
A more formal expression meaning mental burden or psychological strain.
When you want to express the action of straining liquid (e.g., draining pasta, straining tea).
When you strain a muscle or body part by overusing it.
A common verb meaning to hurt or injure a body part through strain. Transitive.
I strained my shoulder.
Specifically means to strain or pull a muscle. Often used for sudden sharp pain.
I think I strained a muscle in my neck.
Means to be eager or enthusiastic, but can imply overexerting oneself. Often used in the phrase 張り切りすぎる (overdo it).
When referring to a strain of virus, bacteria, or plant/animal breed.
Used for strains of viruses, bacteria, or cultivated plant varieties.
A new strain of the virus was discovered.
This strain of rice is resistant to disease.
A more formal or scientific term for strain, lineage, or system. Used in biology and breeding.
When you strain to do something, meaning you try very hard, often physically.
Literally 'put strength into', used for straining physically to lift or push something.
He strained to lift the heavy box.
Means to overdo it or push oneself too hard, often resulting in strain.
Don't strain yourself too much.
Means to endeavor or strive, but can be used for mental effort. More formal.
While ストレス is perfect for mental/emotional strain, it is not used for physical tension on materials or body parts. Use 負担 or 張力 instead.
This bridge can withstand great strain.
負担 can be used for both physical and mental burden, but ストレス is specifically psychological. For physical load on a joint, use 負担; for work-related anxiety, use ストレス.
I feel strain from personal relationships.
試験の前はいつも緊張する。
I always feel strain before exams.
Strain ran through the relations between the two countries.
Caregiving can be a great mental strain.
Strain the solution to remove impurities.
張り切りすぎて腰を痛めた。
I strained my back by overdoing it.
このマウスの系統は実験によく使われる。
This strain of mouse is often used in experiments.
彼は平静を装おうと努めた。
He strained to appear calm.