Translation guide
The English word "idiom" refers to a fixed expression whose meaning is not predictable from its individual words. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 慣用句 (かんようく), but other terms like イディオム, 成句, and 熟語 are used depending on context. This guide helps learners choose the right term and understand related concepts.
The most common, everyday word for a fixed expression with a non-literal meaning.
The standard term for 'idiom' in Japanese. Used in dictionaries, language learning, and everyday conversation about language.
「猫の手も借りたい」は日本語の慣用句です。
"Neko no te mo karitai" is a Japanese idiom.
Loanword from English, often used in linguistic or academic contexts, or when referring to English idioms specifically.
英語のイディオムを勉強しています。
I'm studying English idioms.
A more formal or literary term for a set phrase or idiom. Less common in daily speech.
この成句は古い文献によく出てきます。
This idiom often appears in old texts.
When you want to refer to an expression that is characteristic of a language or dialect, not necessarily a fixed idiom.
Often translated as 'idiom' but more accurately means 'compound word' or 'kanji compound'. Can refer to idiomatic phrases, especially in Chinese characters. Use with caution as it may not always mean 'idiom' in the English sense.
熟語 primarily means a multi-kanji word. It can sometimes be used for idiomatic phrases, but 慣用句 is clearer for fixed expressions.
四字熟語は日本語の面白い表現です。
Four-character idioms are interesting Japanese expressions.
Means 'idiomatic expression' in a descriptive way. Useful when you want to emphasize the idiomatic nature of a phrase.
この文には慣用的な表現がたくさんあります。
This sentence has many idiomatic expressions.
Referring to the distinctive style of a person, group, or art form.
Refers to usage, diction, or phraseology. Can mean 'idiom' in the sense of a characteristic mode of expression.
彼の語法は独特だ。
His idiom is unique.
Means 'turn of phrase' or 'expression'. Often used for characteristic ways of saying things.
慣用句 is the safest, most direct translation for 'idiom' as a fixed expression. イディオム is a loanword often used in English learning contexts. 熟語 primarily means 'compound word' and can be misleading if used for 'idiom'.
While 熟語 can be translated as 'idiom' in some dictionaries, it usually refers to kanji compounds. For fixed phrases like 'kick the bucket', use 慣用句.
この作家の言い回しが好きです。
I like this writer's idiom.