Translation guide
The English word 'cyclic' describes something that occurs in cycles or is arranged in a circle. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 周期的 (shuukiteki), meaning periodic or cyclical. Other options depend on context: 循環的 (junkan-teki) for circulation, 環状 (kanjou) for ring-shaped, and specialized terms for chemistry or mathematics.
Describing events, processes, or patterns that repeat at regular intervals.
The most common and versatile translation for 'cyclic' in the sense of periodic or recurring. Used for natural phenomena, economic cycles, and general repetition.
この現象は周期的に発生する。
This phenomenon occurs cyclically.
景気には周期的な変動がある。
The economy has cyclic fluctuations.
Emphasizes circulation or a closed-loop cycle, such as in ecology, economics, or systems. Often used for 'cyclic' in the sense of recycling or feedback loops.
自然界では物質が循環的に移動する。
In nature, materials move cyclically.
Loanword from English, used in technical or academic contexts, especially in economics or science. Less common in everyday speech.
サイクリックな変動を分析する。
Analyze cyclic fluctuations.
Describing shapes, structures, or arrangements that form a circle or loop.
Means ring-shaped or annular. Used for physical objects like roads, molecules, or anatomical structures.
環状の道路が市街を取り巻いている。
A cyclic road surrounds the city.
この化合物は環状構造を持つ。
This compound has a cyclic structure.
Similar to 環状 but explicitly emphasizes a circular ring shape. Slightly more formal or technical.
円環状の模様が描かれている。
A cyclic pattern is drawn.
Referring to organic compounds with a ring structure.
Standard term in chemistry for 'cyclic' compounds. Often used in combination like 環式化合物 (cyclic compound).
ベンゼンは環式化合物の一種だ。
Benzene is a type of cyclic compound.
Also used in chemistry for ring structures, but 環式 is more specific to chemical compounds.
環状構造を持つ有機分子。
An organic molecule with a cyclic structure.
Describing mathematical objects that are cyclic, such as groups, permutations, or graphs.
Used in mathematics for 'cyclic' in the sense of a cycle or permutation, e.g., 巡回群 (cyclic group).
この群は巡回群である。
This group is a cyclic group.
Loanword used in some mathematical contexts, but 巡回 is more standard.
周期的 (shuukiteki) focuses on time-based repetition, like a cycle that repeats at intervals. 循環的 (junkan-teki) emphasizes a circular flow or circulation, often in systems. For most general uses, 周期的 is the safer choice.
周期的な点検が必要だ。
Periodic inspections are necessary.
血液は循環的に体内を流れる。
Blood circulates cyclically through the body.
Directly translating 'cyclic' as サイクリック may sound unnatural outside of technical jargon. Use 周期的 or 循環的 for natural Japanese.
サイクリックな順列を考える。
Consider a cyclic permutation.