Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Bias" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "bias", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
偏向
へんこう (henkō)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
偏り
かたより (katayori)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "bias" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 偏向 and 偏り.
In Japanese, 偏向 (へんこう (henkō)) is typically associated with "bias, deviation, distortion (of views, information)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used for media reports, opinions, or data that show a leaning towards one side, suggesting a lack of objectivity. 報道や意見などが、公平さを欠き、一方に傾いている状態を指します。.
On the other hand, 偏り (かたより (katayori)) maps to "bias, imbalance, deviation" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Similar to 偏向 but often refers to a state of being imbalanced or skewed, in terms of distribution, nutrition, or viewpoint. 分布、栄養、考え方などがバランスを欠き、一方に傾いている状態。. A literal translation of "bias" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "偏向"
このニュース番組は政治的に偏向していると批判されている。
This news program is criticized for being politically biased.
Bilingual Context for "偏り"
健康のためには、食事に偏りがないように注意が必要だ。
For health, it is necessary to be careful not to have an imbalance in one's diet.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "このニュース番組は政治的に ＿＿＿ していると批判されている。" (Meaning: "This news program is criticized for being politically biased.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "偏向" fits here because it means "bias, deviation, distortion (of views, information)" in the context of: "This news program is criticized for being politically biased.". "偏り" represents "bias, imbalance, deviation".