Translation guide
The English word "distortion" covers a range of meanings from physical warping to misrepresentation of facts. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by the intended meaning.
Describing a change in the shape of an object, often due to force or heat.
General term for physical distortion, warping, or strain. Commonly used for objects, structures, or even facial expressions.
この板は湿気で歪みが出ている。
This board has warped due to moisture.
鏡に映った顔が歪んで見える。
My face looks distorted in the mirror.
Refers to deformation or transformation, often used in technical contexts like engineering or materials science.
熱による変形を防ぐために冷却する。
Cool it to prevent deformation from heat.
Often used in physics and engineering for strain or distortion. Can also refer to a strained relationship or imbalance.
金属にひずみが生じた。
Strain occurred in the metal.
Describing the act of twisting facts, statements, or reality to deceive or mislead.
Deliberate distortion of facts, truth, or statements. Strongly negative connotation.
彼は事実を歪曲して伝えた。
He distorted the facts when he reported them.
その記事は歴史を歪曲している。
That article distorts history.
To twist someone's words or story, often in a casual or interpersonal context.
彼はいつも私の話を曲げて伝える。
He always twists my words when he tells others.
Exaggeration, which can be a form of distortion. Not a direct equivalent but often used in similar contexts.
Referring to unwanted changes in sound, images, or electronic signals.
Also used for audio distortion, such as in music or speakers.
アンプの歪みが心地いい。
The amp's distortion sounds pleasant.
スピーカーから音が歪んで聞こえる。
The sound from the speaker is distorted.
General term for noise or interference, often used when distortion is caused by unwanted signals.
Describing a skewed perception or interpretation of reality, often in psychology or everyday language.
Standard term in psychology for cognitive distortion.
認知の歪みを修正する方法を学ぶ。
Learn how to correct cognitive distortions.
A biased or distorted view, less technical and more everyday.
彼はいつも偏った見方をする。
He always has a distorted view of things.
歪み (yugami) is the most general term for physical warping or distortion. ひずみ (hizumi) is often used in technical contexts like strain in materials, but can also refer to audio distortion. 歪曲 (waikyoku) is specifically for deliberate misrepresentation of facts or truth.
Do not use 歪曲 for physical distortion; it is only for abstract distortion of information. For physical warping, use 歪み or 変形.
His story has too much exaggeration.
There is noise in the video.