Translation guide
This entry covers how to express the idea of becoming perverse, twisted, or contrary in Japanese. It focuses on describing a person's character or behavior turning stubborn, unreasonable, or morally bent.
Describing a person's personality or mind becoming distorted, cynical, or morally bent over time.
A common verb meaning to become perverse, cynical, or twisted in personality. Often used when someone becomes contrary or takes things the wrong way due to a negative experience.
彼は最近ひねくれてしまった。
He's become perverse lately.
そんなひねくれた考え方はよくない。
That kind of twisted way of thinking isn't good.
Literally 'to refract,' but used metaphorically for a personality becoming warped or distorted. More formal and often used in psychological contexts.
彼の性格は屈折している。
His personality is warped.
Means 'to become distorted' or 'warped,' often used for physical shapes but can describe a twisted mind or personality. Intransitive; the transitive form is 歪める (ゆがめる).
心が歪んでいる。
His heart is twisted.
Describing someone who deliberately opposes others or acts unreasonably, often out of spite or stubbornness.
To become stubborn or perverse out of pride, refusing to back down even when wrong. Common in everyday speech.
彼は意地になって謝らない。
He's become perverse and won't apologize.
そんなに意地にならなくてもいいのに。
You don't have to be so stubborn about it.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to get bent out of shape' or 'to become sulky and perverse.' Casual and vivid.
Describing a person turning to wickedness, vice, or moral decay.
To become depraved, corrupt, or fallen. Often used for moral or lifestyle degradation.
彼は酒とギャンブルで堕落した。
He became depraved through alcohol and gambling.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to stray from the path,' i.e., to become morally corrupt or criminal.
彼は若い頃に道を踏み外した。
He went astray when he was young.
ひねくれる implies a deeper, often permanent change in personality toward cynicism or perversity. 意地になる is more about a temporary stubbornness or refusal to yield in a specific situation.
Direct translations like '逆になる' or '変態になる' are incorrect and can be offensive. Use the options above based on the intended nuance.
He got all perverse just from a little advice.
Literally 'to bend one's cowlick,' meaning to become perverse or contrary in a sulky way. Similar to へそを曲げる but less common.
彼はつむじを曲げて協力しようとしない。
He's being perverse and won't cooperate.