曲がった
magatta
In Japanese, the English adjective "crooked" is expressed as 曲がった (magatta).
The term is used both literally and figuratively. It most commonly describes physical objects that are not straight, such as a 曲がった道 (a crooked road). Figuratively, it can be used to describe something that is dishonest or illegal.
Meaning: figurative: dishonest, illegal (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
When used in this form, it functions as an adjective meaning "bent", "curved" or "crooked".
How do you pronounce it?
magatta
Did you know?
- To describe a corrupt official as 'crooked', Japanese often uses 腐敗した, which literally means 'rotten' rather than 'bent'.
- To describe a person who is fiercely honest, Japanese speakers say they 曲がったことが嫌い, which literally means they 'hate crooked things'.
- The concept of being 'crooked' or 'twisted' is often expressed through the word ねじれた, which suggests a more violent or forced distortion than the gentle curve of 曲がった.
Examples in context
- 彼は曲がったことをしない人だ。Kare wa magatta koto o shinai hito da.He is a person who does not do dishonest things.
- 曲がった商売は許されない。Magatta shoubai wa yurusarenai.Dishonest business is not tolerated.
- 曲がったやり方で成功したくない。Magatta yarikata de seikou shitakunai.I do not want to succeed through crooked methods.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a suspicious business offer.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの儲け話、何か怪しくないか？Kono mouke-banashi, nanika ayashiku nai ka?Doesn't this get-rich-quick scheme seem suspicious?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、かなり曲がったやり方だと思う。Un, kanari magatta yarikata da to omou.Yeah, I think it's a pretty crooked way of doing things.
- 大翔 Hirotoやっぱりそうだよな。やめておこう。Yappari sou da yo na. Yamete okou.I thought so. Let's not do it.
- 陽葵 Himariそれが正解だよ、大翔。Sore ga seikai da yo, Hiroto.That's the right choice, Hiroto.
