Translation guide
The English word 'rigid' describes something stiff, inflexible, or strict. In Japanese, different words are used depending on whether you mean physically stiff, mentally strict, or systematically inflexible.
Describing an object or material that does not bend or change shape easily.
The most common word for 'hard' or 'stiff'. Can be used for a wide range of physical objects.
この板はとても硬い。
This board is very rigid.
硬い素材でできている。
It's made of a rigid material.
A more technical term meaning 'having rigidity', often used in engineering or product descriptions.
剛性のあるフレームを採用しています。
It uses a rigid frame.
Similar to 硬い but often implies firmness or tightness, like a firm handshake or a tightly packed object. Less common for general 'rigid'.
堅い握手を交わした。
They exchanged a firm handshake.
Describing rules, systems, or organizations that are not flexible or adaptable.
Means 'strict' or 'rigid' in the sense of rules or standards. Commonly used for regulations, discipline, or criteria.
この学校は規則が厳格だ。
This school has rigid rules.
厳格な審査基準を設けている。
They have established rigid screening criteria.
Literally 'stiffened', used metaphorically for systems or thinking that are rigid and unable to adapt. Often negative.
硬直した組織では革新は難しい。
Innovation is difficult in a rigid organization.
彼の考え方は硬直している。
His way of thinking is rigid.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'inflexible' or 'unaccommodating'. Used for people, rules, or systems that won't bend.
融通の利かない規則に縛られている。
We are bound by rigid rules.
A set phrase meaning 'rigidly by the book', 'inflexible', or 'mechanical' in applying rules. Often used critically.
杓子定規な対応では顧客は離れる。
Customers will leave if you take a rigid, by-the-book approach.
Describing a person's body language or demeanor as stiff, unrelaxed, or formal.
Describes a stiff, tense expression or body, often due to nervousness or cold. Can be used for a rigid smile or posture.
彼はこわばった表情で座っていた。
He sat with a rigid expression.
緊張で体がこわばった。
My body became rigid with tension.
When describing a person as 'rigid' in English, it often means they are inflexible in thinking or behavior. Direct translations like 硬い人 (katai hito) can sound odd. Use 考え方が硬直している (kangaekata ga kōchoku shite iru) or 融通が利かない (yūzū ga kikanai) instead.
All read as かたい (katai). 硬い is for hard/stiff objects (rigid material). 堅い is for firm/tight things (firm handshake, solid defense). 固い is for solid/firm things (solid ice, firm resolve). For 'rigid', 硬い is usually the best choice for physical stiffness, while 堅い and 固い have overlapping but distinct nuances.
Means 'stiff', 'formal', or 'ceremonious', often used for atmosphere or behavior that is overly rigid and uncomfortable.
堅苦しい挨拶は抜きにしましょう。
Let's skip the rigid formalities.