How to Say ‘Is strange; is weird (polite)’ in Japanese
変です
hen desu
[hen dess]
💬 Usage Tip: [変です] is a polite, mild way to say something’s wrong. Stronger: [おかしいです].
🇯🇵 In Japan: Japanese often avoids direct blame. [変です] is a safe “something seems off” that won’t sound accusatory to the landlord.
Phrase Breakdown
変
hen
[hen]
strange; unusual; not right
Describes something as abnormal. Natural for reporting appliance problems (sound, smell, behavior).
給湯器の調子が変です。
The water heater is acting strange.
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula (desu)
Polite sentence ending used when explaining issues to a landlord/repair company.
お湯の出方が変です。
The way the hot water comes out is strange.
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