Translation guide
The circumflex is a diacritical mark (ˆ) used in various languages. In Japanese, it is most commonly encountered in the context of romanization systems (like Kunrei-shiki) to indicate long vowels, or when discussing foreign languages. This guide covers how to refer to the mark itself and its function.
Referring to the symbol itself, as used in writing systems or typography.
The most common direct loanword for the circumflex accent. Used in linguistic and typographic contexts.
フランス語では、â のようにサーカムフレックスが使われる。
In French, the circumflex is used as in â.
A more descriptive Japanese term, literally 'bent accent'. Used in some linguistic descriptions.
Explaining the use of the circumflex in systems like Kunrei-shiki to denote long vowels.
Describes the circumflex as a long vowel marker in romanization. Often contrasted with macron usage in Hepburn.
訓令式では、長音をサーカムフレックスで表す（例：Tôkyô）。
In Kunrei-shiki, long vowels are indicated with a circumflex (e.g., Tôkyô).
The circumflex (ˆ) is used in Kunrei-shiki and Nihon-shiki romanization to mark long vowels, while Hepburn romanization uses a macron (¯). For example, 東京 is 'Tôkyô' in Kunrei-shiki but 'Tōkyō' in Hepburn. Most learners encounter Hepburn, so the circumflex may appear in older or more technical texts.
「東京」は訓令式で Tôkyô、ヘボン式で Tōkyō と書く。
"Tokyo" is written as Tôkyô in Kunrei-shiki and Tōkyō in Hepburn.
曲折アクセントは、母音の上に置かれることが多い。
The circumflex accent is often placed above vowels.
Literally 'mountain-shaped symbol'. A very literal description, rarely used in technical contexts.
この山形記号は、アクセントを示す。
This mountain-shaped symbol indicates an accent.
In most common romanization (Hepburn), the macron (¯) is used for long vowels, not the circumflex. Learners should be aware of this difference.
ヘボン式では、Tōkyōのようにマクロンを使う。
In Hepburn romanization, macrons are used, as in Tōkyō.