Translation guide
A surface that is higher on one end than the other, or the degree of such an incline. In Japanese, the most common word is 坂 (saka), but there are also terms for steepness, mathematical slope, and ski slopes.
The learner wants to refer to a physical slope, such as a hill, a sloping street, or an inclined path.
The most common and general word for a slope, hill, or incline. Can be used for roads, paths, or natural hills.
この坂は急ですね。
This slope is steep, isn't it?
坂を上ると、景色がいいです。
If you go up the slope, the view is nice.
Refers to a slanted surface or incline, often used in more technical or descriptive contexts (e.g., a mountain slope, a roof slope). Less common in everyday conversation about streets.
山の斜面に家が建っている。
Houses are built on the mountain slope.
Refers to an incline or slant, often used for the degree of slope or in technical/engineering contexts. Not typically used for a road or hill in casual speech.
この道路の傾斜は5パーセントです。
The slope of this road is 5 percent.
The learner wants to describe how steep a slope is, or ask about the gradient.
The standard way to say 'steep slope'. 急 (kyuu) means 'steep' or 'sudden'.
この先は急な坂があります。
There is a steep slope ahead.
Means 'gradient' or 'slope' in a numerical sense, often used in engineering, construction, or when talking about road grades. Not used for a hill itself.
この坂の勾配はきつい。
The gradient of this slope is tough.
The learner wants to talk about a slope for skiing or snowboarding.
Borrowed from German 'Gelände', this is the standard word for a ski slope or ski area in Japanese.
週末はゲレンデに行きます。
I'm going to the slopes this weekend.
Literally 'ski ground', refers to a ski resort or the whole ski area, including slopes.
The learner wants to refer to the slope of a line in mathematics.
The standard term for the slope of a line in math class. Also means 'inclination' in general.
この直線の傾きを求めなさい。
Find the slope of this line.
Also used for mathematical slope, but 傾き is more common in school contexts.
坂 (saka) is the everyday word for a hill or sloping road. 斜面 (shamen) is a slanted surface, often used for natural or constructed inclines. 傾斜 (keisha) is more abstract and technical, referring to the degree or state of being slanted.
この坂は長い。
This slope is long.
屋根の斜面に雪が積もっている。
Snow is piled on the slope of the roof.
傾斜が急なので注意してください。
Please be careful because the incline is steep.
あのスキー場は初心者向けの斜面が多い。
That ski resort has many slopes for beginners.
勾配が1の直線。
A line with a slope of 1.