Translation guide
The English word "bent" can describe a physical shape, a personal inclination, or a determined state. This guide covers the most common Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing something that is physically bent, curved, or crooked.
The most common and neutral way to say something is bent or curved. It is the past tense of 曲がる (to bend), used as an adjective.
このパイプは曲がっている。
This pipe is bent.
曲がった道をまっすぐ進んでください。
Go straight along the bent road.
Referring to a person's natural tendency, aptitude, or leaning toward something.
Describing someone who is resolute or intent on a course of action.
A clear way to express being bent on doing something, meaning 'determined to do.'
彼は成功しようと決心している。
He is bent on succeeding.
Do not directly translate 'bent' as 曲がった when referring to a person's inclination. Use words like 傾向 or 性分 instead.
彼は芸術的な傾向がある。
He has an artistic bent.
A more formal or technical term for curved or bent, often used for shapes like arcs or bends in objects.
湾曲した刃のナイフ
a knife with a curved blade
A technical term for sharply bent or flexed, used in anatomy or engineering.
屈曲した道路
a sharply bent road
A general term for tendency or inclination. Can be used for both people and things.
彼には芸術的な傾向がある。
He has an artistic bent.
Refers to one's innate disposition or nature. Often used for personal inclinations.
彼は心配性の性分だ。
He has a worrying bent.
Natural qualities or aptitude, often used for talents or abilities.
彼女はリーダーとしての資質がある。
She has a bent for leadership.
Suitability or orientation toward something. Often used in phrases like 〜向き (suited for).
彼は学者向きだ。
He has a scholarly bent.
Expresses intention or being set on doing something, often with a strong will.
彼女は会社を辞めるつもりでいる。
She is bent on quitting the company.
Means to stick stubbornly to something, implying a negative bent.
彼は自分の意見に固執している。
He is bent on his own opinion.