歪む

• Reading: ゆがむ
• Romaji: yugamu
• Kanji breakdown: 歪 (yuga/wai) — to warp, distort (不 not + 正 straight)
• Pronunciation: /jɯ.ɡa.mɯ/

Meaning

To warp; to bend; to become distorted. Describes something losing its proper shape or form.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb. Used both physically (wood warping, a face contorting) and figuratively (personality becoming twisted, society becoming distorted). The transitive counterpart is 歪める (yugameru). Often carries a negative connotation.

Examples

1. 湿気で木の板が歪んでしまった。 The wooden board warped from the humidity.
2. 悔しさで彼の顔が歪んだ。 His face contorted with frustration.
3. 権力が集中すると社会の構造が歪む恐れがある。 When power becomes concentrated, there's a risk that the structure of society will become distorted.

Usage Guide

Context: physical objects, emotions, society

Tone: negative

Origin & History

The kanji 歪 is a compound ideograph of 不 (not) and 正 (straight/correct), directly expressing the meaning 'not straight' — distorted or warped.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal