Translation guide
How to express 'deviate' in Japanese, covering physical departure from a path, divergence from norms or plans, and statistical deviation.
To physically move away from a set route, road, or expected trajectory.
To act or be different from what is usual, expected, or prescribed.
Formal suru-verb meaning to deviate from rules, norms, or standards. Often used in official or technical contexts.
彼の行動は社会規範から逸脱している。
His behavior deviates from social norms.
To differ from a mean or expected value in data.
Noun meaning deviation (statistical). Often used in compounds like 標準偏差 (standard deviation).
逸れる (それる) is for straying from a path or topic. 外れる (はずれる) is for missing a target or being off from an expected standard. ずれる is for slight misalignment or shift, often in timing or perception.
Avoid directly translating 'deviate' as デビエートする; it is not natural Japanese. Use the verbs above depending on context.
The car deviated from the road.
話が本題から逸れた。
The conversation deviated from the main topic.
To come off, miss, or deviate from an expected position or standard. Often used for predictions or physical alignment.
Kana-only form of 逸れる, common in casual writing.
話がそれちゃった。
The conversation went off track.
Don't deviate from the plan.
Also used for deviating from expectations or standards, less formal than 逸脱する.
彼の意見は常識から外れている。
His opinion deviates from common sense.
To be off, shifted, or out of alignment. Used for slight deviations in timing, position, or thinking.
彼の感覚は少しずれている。
His sense is a little off (deviates from the norm).
スケジュールがずれた。
The schedule deviated (got off track).
このデータの偏差を計算してください。
Please calculate the deviation of this data.
Can be used in formal statistical contexts, but 偏差 is more common as a noun.
値が平均から大きく逸脱している。
The value deviates significantly from the mean.