Translation guide
An eddy is a circular movement of water, air, or other fluid, often forming a small whirlpool or swirl. This guide covers how to express this concept naturally in Japanese.
Describing a small circular current in a river, stream, or sea.
The most common and general word for a whirlpool, eddy, or vortex in water. Can be used for anything from a small swirl in a stream to a large maelstrom.
Describing a circular movement of air, dust, smoke, etc.
Also used for eddies in air, such as dust devils or swirling smoke.
Describing a situation where people or things are moving in a confused, circular manner, or a swirling emotion.
Used metaphorically for a whirlpool of emotions, events, or people. Common in phrases like 興奮の渦 (whirlpool of excitement).
渦 (uzu) is the general term for a whirlpool or eddy. 渦巻き (uzumaki) often emphasizes the spiral shape or pattern, and is also used for things like spiral pasta or a coil. For a natural eddy in water, 渦 is usually sufficient.
The English name 'Eddy' is usually transcribed as エディ (edi) in Japanese. Do not use 渦 for a person's name.
川の渦に巻き込まれた。
I got caught in an eddy in the river.
小さな渦が水面にできた。
A small eddy formed on the water's surface.
Literally 'whirlpool roll', often used for a swirling pattern or a spiral, but can also refer to an actual eddy in water. Slightly more descriptive than 渦.
渦巻きができて、葉っぱがくるくる回っていた。
An eddy formed and the leaves were spinning around.
A technical or literary term for a swirling current or eddy. Often used in scientific or descriptive writing.
この海域には複雑な渦流が発生する。
Complex eddies occur in this sea area.
風が渦を巻いて砂ぼこりが舞い上がった。
The wind swirled in an eddy, kicking up dust.
A common phrase meaning 'to form an eddy' or 'to swirl'. Can be used for both water and air.
煙が渦を巻いて立ち上った。
The smoke rose in eddies.
The venue was engulfed in an eddy of excitement.
彼は悲しみの渦に沈んでいった。
He sank into an eddy of sorrow.
Literally 'in the whirlpool', meaning being in the midst of a controversy, scandal, or chaotic situation.
彼はそのスキャンダルの渦中にいる。
He is in the eddy of the scandal.