Translation guide
The concept of symmetry in Japanese can be expressed through nouns, adjectives, and descriptive phrases. The most common and direct translation is 対称 (taishō), but other terms like シンメトリー (shinmetorī) and 左右対称 (sayū taishō) are also used depending on context. This guide covers how to talk about symmetry in design, nature, mathematics, and everyday life.
Describing something as having balanced proportions, where one side mirrors the other, in general contexts like art, design, or nature.
The standard noun meaning 'symmetry'. Can be used in most contexts, from everyday to technical.
この建物は完全な対称をなしている。
This building is perfectly symmetrical.
蝶の羽の対称は美しい。
The symmetry of the butterfly's wings is beautiful.
Loanword from English, often used in design, fashion, and artistic contexts. Sounds slightly more stylish or modern.
このデザインはシンメトリーが取れている。
This design has symmetry.
Literally 'left-right symmetry', emphasizing bilateral symmetry. Common in descriptions of faces, bodies, or objects.
人間の体は左右対称ではない。
The human body is not perfectly symmetrical.
A more formal or scientific term for 'symmetry' as a property. Used in mathematics, physics, and technical writing.
この結晶は高い対称性を持つ。
This crystal has high symmetry.
Describing something as symmetrical, using adjectives or descriptive phrases.
The most common way to say 'symmetrical' as an adjective. Attaches directly to nouns.
対称的な模様が好きです。
I like symmetrical patterns.
彼の顔はとても対称的だ。
His face is very symmetrical.
Specifically 'bilaterally symmetrical'. Used for faces, bodies, and objects with left-right mirroring.
左右対称の顔は魅力的だと言われる。
A symmetrical face is said to be attractive.
Adjectival form of the loanword, used in casual or trendy contexts.
シンメトリーな配置がいいね。
A symmetrical arrangement is nice, isn't it?
Expressing that something is not symmetrical, or describing asymmetry.
The standard term for 'asymmetry' or 'asymmetrical'. Used in both everyday and technical contexts.
この絵は非対称の美しさがある。
This painting has an asymmetrical beauty.
Specifically 'left-right asymmetry'. Common in medical or biological contexts.
彼の耳は左右非対称だ。
His ears are asymmetrical.
Referring to symmetry in formal disciplines like geometry, physics, or biology.
The property of symmetry in scientific contexts. Often used with modifiers like 回転対称性 (rotational symmetry).
物理法則は対称性に基づいている。
Physical laws are based on symmetry.
Line symmetry or reflection symmetry. Used in geometry.
Point symmetry or rotational symmetry of order 2.
対称 is the standard, neutral term used in all contexts. シンメトリー is a loanword that feels more modern or stylish, often used in fashion, design, and casual conversation. In formal or technical writing, stick to 対称 or 対称性.
When talking about facial or bodily symmetry, 左右対称 is very common. You can say 左右対称の顔 (symmetrical face) or 左右対称ではない (not symmetrical).
その庭園は完璧な対称性を持って設計された。
The garden was designed with perfect symmetry.
私は芸術では非対称の構図が好きだ。
I prefer asymmetrical compositions in art.
Loanword for 'asymmetry', often used in fashion or design.
アシンメトリーなヘアスタイルが流行っている。
Asymmetrical hairstyles are in fashion.
この図形は線対称です。
This shape has line symmetry.
平行四辺形は点対称な図形だ。
A parallelogram is a point-symmetric shape.