Translation guide
The English verb "circulate" covers several distinct meanings, from physical movement to social interaction. This guide breaks them down into practical Japanese expressions.
Describing the continuous movement of a fluid or gas within a system or space.
The most common and general term for circulation of liquids, air, blood, etc. Used for both natural and mechanical systems.
血液は体内を循環している。
Blood circulates through the body.
The air doesn't circulate well in this room.
Often used for natural cycles or poetic descriptions, like seasons or blood flowing through the body. Can imply a more organic or cyclical movement.
血液が全身を巡る。
Blood circulates throughout the body.
Means 'to flow'. Can be used when emphasizing the continuous movement rather than the cyclical aspect. Common in everyday speech.
この川は市内を流れている。
This river circulates (flows) through the city.
Describing how information or stories move from person to person within a group.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to spread' or 'to become widespread'. Used for news, rumors, ideas.
その噂はすぐに広まった。
The rumor circulated quickly.
More formal, often used for deliberate spreading of information or documents. Can be transitive or intransitive.
誤った情報が流布した。
False information circulated.
Specifically for circulating documents or memos among a group, like in an office.
議事録を回覧してください。
Please circulate the minutes.
Describing a person moving through a party or gathering, talking to different people.
Literally 'go around talking to people'. This is the most natural way to express the idea of socializing by moving through a crowd.
パーティーで人と話して回った。
I circulated at the party, talking to people.
Specifically for going around greeting people, often in a formal or business context.
会場であいさつして回った。
I circulated around the venue greeting people.
Means 'to behave sociably'. It captures the intent but is less direct about physical movement.
彼はパーティーで社交的に振る舞った。
He circulated at the party (acted sociably).
Directly translating 'circulate' as 循環する for socializing sounds very unnatural. Use phrases like 人と話して回る or describe the action more concretely.
循環する is the standard technical term for circulation (blood, air, water). 巡る has a more literary or poetic feel and is often used for abstract cycles (seasons, thoughts). For everyday fluid movement, stick with 循環する.