Translation guide
Expressing that something is extremely odd, unusual, or unexpected in Japanese. The most common and versatile word is 変 (hen), often intensified with adverbs like とても (totemo) or すごく (sugoku). Other options carry nuances of mystery, eeriness, or peculiarity.
Describing something as very odd, weird, or not normal in a general sense.
The most common and neutral word for 'strange' or 'weird'. Can be used for people, situations, or things. Intensify with adverbs like とても, すごく, or 非常に.
彼の行動はとても変だ。
His behavior is very strange.
I had a very strange dream.
Means 'strange' or 'peculiar' with a nuance of curiosity or oddness. Slightly more formal or literary than 変. Often used for coincidences or unusual phenomena.
That was a very strange incident.
Can mean 'strange', 'funny', or 'suspicious' depending on context. Often implies something is off or not right, sometimes with a humorous or dubious tone. Intensify with とても or すごく.
This machine's movement is very strange.
Describing something that is strange in a mysterious, puzzling, or inexplicable way.
Means 'mysterious', 'wonderous', or 'strange' in a fascinating way. Often used for things that defy explanation or seem magical. Intensify with とても or すごく.
She has a very strange charm.
Means 'suspicious', 'dubious', or 'strange' with a negative connotation. Implies something might be dangerous, untrustworthy, or eerie. Intensify with とても or すごく.
Means 'mysterious' or 'mystical'. Used for things that have a profound, often spiritual or otherworldly strangeness. Intensify with 非常に.
Describing something that is strange in a creepy, unsettling, or ghostly way.
Means 'eerie', 'uncanny', or 'spooky'. Used for things that give a creepy or unsettling feeling. Intensify with とても or すごく.
That house was very strange/eerie.
Colloquial for 'creepy' or 'gross'. Literally 'bad feeling'. Often used for things that are physically or psychologically unsettling. Intensify with すごく.
Describing something that is strange because it deviates from the norm or is unconventional.
Means 'is unusual' or 'is different'. Often used for people or things that are eccentric or unconventional. Intensify with とても or すごく.
He is very strange/unusual.
Means 'bizarre' or 'extraordinary' in a striking, often negative way. Used for appearances or atmospheres that are strangely abnormal. Intensify with 非常に.
変 (hen) is the most general and neutral for 'strange'. おかしい (okashii) often implies something is funny or suspicious, while 不思議 (fushigi) has a positive, wondrous nuance. Choose based on the feeling you want to convey.
While とても (totemo) and すごく (sugoku) are common intensifiers, overusing them can sound repetitive. In casual speech, めっちゃ (meccha) or 超 (chou) can be used, but they are very informal. For formal contexts, 非常に (hijou ni) is appropriate.
I heard a very strange story.
あの人はとても怪しい。
That person is very strange/suspicious.
その場所は非常に神秘的な雰囲気があった。
That place had a very strange, mystical atmosphere.
That doll is very strange/creepy.
The sight was very strange/bizarre.