noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
deformity; malformation
Refers to a physical abnormality in shape or structure, often used in medical, biological, or technical contexts. Can be used for congenital conditions or acquired deformities.
その子は足に奇形がある。
The child has a deformity in the leg.
奇形の花が庭に咲いていた。
A malformed flower was blooming in the garden.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
strange shape; unusual shape
Describes something with an odd or unconventional form, not necessarily implying a medical condition. Can be used for objects, natural formations, or abstract shapes.
雲が奇形な形をしていた。
The cloud had a strange shape.
彼は奇形の石を集めている。
He collects unusually shaped stones.
Search-only form; not a standard spelling.
変形 means 'transformation' or 'deformation' and often implies a change from a previous state, while 奇形 focuses on the resulting abnormal shape itself, often from birth or inherent structure.
不具 is an older term for physical disability or defect, now often considered insensitive. 奇形 is more neutral and specific to shape abnormalities.
奇 (strange, unusual) + 形 (shape, form). The kanji combination directly conveys 'strange shape'. The older form 畸形 uses 畸 (deformed, abnormal), which is not a jōyō kanji, leading to the modern replacement with 奇.