noun
Refers to the bending or sagging of a structural element under load, or a natural curve. Common in engineering and everyday descriptions of flexible objects.
棚のたわみが気になる。
I'm concerned about the shelf's bending.
橋のたわみを計算する。
Calculate the deflection of the bridge.
曲がり is a more general term for a bend or curve, while たわみ specifically implies bending under weight or pressure, often with a sense of sagging.
歪み refers to distortion or strain, often implying an undesirable deformation, whereas たわみ is a neutral term for bending or deflection.
Derived from the verb たわむ (撓む), meaning 'to bend' or 'to be flexible'. The noun form たわみ nominalizes this action, referring to the state or amount of bending.