Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
変則 (へんそく) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word Freq. Frequency Top 50,000 Meanings 1
noun, na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
irregularity ; anomaly ; irregular
Used when something does not follow the normal rule, pattern, schedule, or form. Often appears adjectivally in compounds such as 変則日程 and 変則勤務, and the derived form 変則的 is also common.
かなり 変へん 則そく な ルール だ が 、 慣な れれ ば 難むずか しく ない 。
The rules are quite irregular, but they are not difficult once you get used to them.
Written forms 変へん 則そく Usage 99%
Standard kanji spelling for this Sino-Japanese noun and adjectival form.
へんそく Usage 1%
Kanji 変 unusual, change, strange Similar words 不ふ 規き 則そく Also means irregular, but is broader and often describes lack of regularity in timing, rhythm, habits, or patterns; 変則 more strongly suggests deviation from a normal rule or standard arrangement.
例れい 外がい Means an exception to a rule. 変則 describes the irregular nature or arrangement itself, while 例外 names a case treated outside the rule.
異い 常じょう Means abnormal or unusual and can imply a problem, malfunction, or medical/technical abnormality. 変則 is usually milder and often simply means nonstandard or irregular.
Etymology A Sino-Japanese compound written with 変, associated with change or unusualness, and 則, associated with rules or principles. The spelling transparently points to deviation from a normal rule or pattern.
