Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
異変 (いへん) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N1 Freq. Frequency Top 20,000 Meanings 1
noun
unusual event ; abnormal occurrence ; anomaly
Refers to something out of the ordinary, often with a negative or alarming connotation. Can range from a strange phenomenon to a serious accident or disaster. Common in news reports and formal descriptions.
からだ
に
異い
変へん
を
感かん
じ
たら
、
すぐ
に
病びょう
院いん
に
行い
っ
て
ください
。
If you notice something abnormal with your body, please go to the hospital immediately.
Written forms 異い 変へん Usage 100%
Standard kanji form; common in news and formal contexts.
イヘン Usage <1%
Kanji 異 uncommon, different, queerness 変 unusual, change, strange Similar words 異い 常じょう 異常 is a broader term for abnormality, often used as an adjective (異常な) or in technical contexts. 異変 emphasizes a concrete event or phenomenon, often with a sense of alarm.
事じ 故こ 事故 specifically means an accident or incident, usually involving harm or damage. 異変 can include accidents but also covers strange occurrences without clear harm.
災さい 害がい 災害 refers to a disaster (natural or man-made) causing widespread damage. 異変 can be a precursor or a smaller-scale anomaly, not necessarily a full-blown disaster.
Etymology Compound of 異 (i, 'different, unusual') and 変 (hen, 'change, strange'). The combination naturally yields the meaning 'unusual change or event'.
