Translation guide
The concept of asymmetry in Japanese can be expressed through nouns, adjectives, and descriptive phrases. The most common and direct translation is 非対称 (ひたいしょう), but depending on context, other terms like アシンメトリー (ashinmetorī) or 不均整 (ふきんせい) may be more appropriate. This guide covers the main ways to express asymmetry in various contexts.
Expressing the general concept of asymmetry, lack of symmetry in shape, arrangement, or structure.
The most standard and widely used term for 'asymmetry' in technical, scientific, and everyday contexts. It directly means 'non-symmetry'.
このデザインは非対称です。
This design is asymmetrical.
非対称な形をしています。
It has an asymmetrical shape.
Loanword from English, often used in fashion, art, and design contexts. It carries a slightly more stylish or modern nuance.
アシンメトリーなヘアスタイルが流行っています。
Asymmetrical hairstyles are in fashion.
Refers to asymmetry in the sense of imbalance or lack of proportion, often used in artistic or aesthetic criticism.
その彫刻は不均整な美しさを持っている。
The sculpture has an asymmetrical beauty.
Describing situations where there is an imbalance in information, power, or resources.
The standard term for 'information asymmetry' in economics and business contexts.
情報の非対称性が市場の失敗を引き起こす。
Information asymmetry causes market failure.
Used for 'power asymmetry' or imbalance of power, often in political or social contexts.
交渉において力の不均衡がある。
There is a power asymmetry in the negotiation.
Technical usage in fields like mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
The general technical term for asymmetry in scientific contexts.
この分子は非対称な構造を持つ。
This molecule has an asymmetrical structure.
Specifically refers to left-right asymmetry, common in biology and anatomy.
人間の内臓は左右非対称である。
Human internal organs are left-right asymmetric.
非対称 is the standard, neutral term used in technical and formal contexts. アシンメトリー is a loanword often used in fashion, design, and casual conversation to sound trendy. Use 非対称 for academic or precise descriptions, and アシンメトリー for stylistic or informal references.
この建物は非対称のデザインが特徴です。
This building features an asymmetrical design. (neutral/technical)
アシンメトリーなスカートが欲しい。
I want an asymmetrical skirt. (fashion/casual)
In English, 'asymmetry' can be used broadly for any lack of symmetry. In Japanese, it's often more natural to specify the type of asymmetry or use a phrase like 左右非対称 (left-right asymmetry) or 不均整 (imbalance) depending on context. Using 非対称 alone might sound vague in some situations.