(いへん)

いへん
noun
unusual event; abnormality; strange occurrence
1. unusual event; abnormality; strange occurrence
Something out of the ordinary or abnormal, often implying a sudden or alarming change. Used for natural disasters, health problems, political upheavals, or any unexpected development. Composed of 異 (different/unusual) + 変 (change).
(からだ)異変(いへん)(かん)じた。
I sensed something wrong with my body.
天候(てんこう)異変(いへん)農作物(のうさくもつ)影響(えいきょう)(あた)えている。
Unusual weather changes are affecting crops.
()(ねこ)様子(ようす)異変(いへん)(かん)じたら、すぐに獣医(じゅうい)相談(そうだん)してください。
If you notice anything unusual about your pet cat's behavior, please consult a veterinarian right away.

USAGE:
異変(いへん) often appears in the pattern ~に異変(いへん)(かん)じる (sense something unusual about ~). It carries a sense of concern or urgency — something is abnormal and potentially worrying.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 異変(いへん)(かん)じる (sense something unusual)
  • 異変(いへん)()づく (notice something unusual)
  • 異変(いへん)()きる (an unusual event occurs)
  • 天候(てんこう)異変(いへん) (weather anomaly)
  • (からだ)異変(いへん) (something wrong with one's body)

SIMILAR WORDS:
異常(いじょう) means "abnormal" or "abnormality" and is broader. 変事(へんじ) is a more literary or formal term for an extraordinary event. 異変(いへん) emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of the change.