Translation guide
The English word 'circulation' covers several distinct concepts: the movement of blood, the distribution of newspapers/magazines, the movement of air/water, and the spread of information or money. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
The movement of blood through the body.
The standard term for circulation of blood, air, water, etc. Often used in medical or scientific contexts.
血液の循環が悪いと、冷え性になります。
If blood circulation is poor, you may get cold sensitivity.
運動は血行を促進します。
Exercise promotes blood circulation.
Specifically refers to blood circulation. Common in everyday health contexts.
The number of copies of a newspaper or magazine sold or distributed.
The standard term for circulation figures of newspapers, magazines, etc.
この新聞の発行部数は100万部です。
This newspaper has a circulation of one million copies.
Specifically refers to the number of copies sold, as opposed to distributed for free.
雑誌の販売部数が減少している。
Magazine circulation is declining.
The continuous movement of air or water in a space or system.
Used for the circulation of air, water, or other fluids in a system.
エアコンで空気を循環させる。
Circulate the air with the air conditioner.
池の水の循環が悪い。
The circulation of the pond water is poor.
Refers to convection or natural circulation due to temperature differences. More technical.
The movement of information, money, or goods among people or places.
Refers to the circulation of money, goods, or information in society or an economy.
偽情報がSNSで流通している。
False information is circulating on social media.
お金の流通を管理する。
Manage the circulation of money.
A verb meaning 'to be in circulation' or 'to be going around', often for rumors or goods.
While 循環 (junkan) means circulation in the sense of movement, it is not used for the number of copies distributed. Use 発行部数 (hakkō busū) or 販売部数 (hanbai busū) instead.
血行が良くなるマッサージ。
A massage that improves blood circulation.
暖かい空気は対流で上昇する。
Warm air rises by convection.
変な噂が出回っている。
A strange rumor is circulating.