Translation guide
The state or quality of being curved inward like the inside of a bowl. In Japanese, this is expressed through nouns, adjectives, and descriptive phrases depending on whether you are describing a shape, a surface, or a physical depression.
Describing something that curves inward, like a bowl, a cave, or a dent.
A common noun meaning a hollow, dent, or depression. Used for physical indentations in surfaces.
地面に小さな凹みがある。
There is a small concavity in the ground.
A technical term for a concave surface, often used in optics or geometry.
凹面鏡は光を集める。
A concave mirror collects light.
A formal or technical term meaning 'concave shape'. Rare in everyday speech.
この地形は凹状を呈している。
This terrain exhibits a concavity.
Referring to the property or degree of inward curvature, often in scientific or mathematical contexts.
The abstract quality of being concave. Used in geometry and technical descriptions.
この曲線の凹性を調べる。
Examine the concavity of this curve.
A phrase meaning 'the state of being dented/hollow'. More conversational than 凹性.
この皿の凹んでいることが気になる。
I'm bothered by the concavity of this plate.
Describing a sunken area on a surface, such as in anatomy, geology, or architecture.
A medical/technical term for a depression or pit, often used in anatomy (e.g., gastric pits) or pathology.
胃粘膜に陥凹が見られる。
A concavity is observed in the gastric mucosa.
A geographical term for a hollow or basin. Can be used for natural depressions in land.
その窪地には水が溜まっていた。
Water had collected in that concavity.
In everyday Japanese, it's more natural to describe the shape or use verbs like 凹む (へこむ, to become dented) rather than using abstract nouns. For example, instead of 'the concavity of the wall', say 壁が凹んでいる (かべがへこんでいる, the wall is dented).