Translation guide
Describes something that is oval or egg-shaped, like a stretched circle. In Japanese, the most common word is 楕円形 (daenkei), but other terms exist for specific contexts like geometry, astronomy, or everyday objects.
Describing something that is oval or egg-shaped in everyday contexts.
The standard word for 'elliptical shape' or 'oval shape'. Used in both technical and everyday language.
このテーブルは楕円形です。
This table is oval-shaped.
彼女は楕円形の顔をしている。
She has an oval face.
Literally 'egg-shaped'. More casual and descriptive than 楕円形, often used for objects that resemble an egg.
その石は卵形だった。
The stone was egg-shaped.
Refers to the shape of a traditional gold coin (koban), which is a rounded rectangle or oval. Used for specific items like certain mirrors or badges.
その鏡は小判形だ。
The mirror is oval-shaped (like a koban).
Referring to the precise mathematical shape of an ellipse.
The mathematical term for 'ellipse'. Used in geometry, physics, and astronomy.
地球の軌道は楕円です。
The Earth's orbit is an ellipse.
楕円の焦点を求めなさい。
Find the foci of the ellipse.
An older or more formal term for ellipse, literally 'long circle'. Rarely used in modern conversation.
Describing elliptical galaxies or orbits.
Elliptical galaxy. A standard astronomical term.
M87は巨大な楕円銀河です。
M87 is a giant elliptical galaxy.
Elliptical orbit. Used for planets, satellites, etc.
Referring to an elliptical running track or shape in sports.
An oval track, like a running track. Often just called トラック, but 楕円形の clarifies the shape.
選手たちは楕円形のトラックを走った。
The athletes ran on the oval track.
楕円形 (daenkei) is the general term for an elliptical or oval shape, used in both technical and everyday contexts. 卵形 (tamagogata) specifically means 'egg-shaped' and is more casual. Use 楕円形 for precise descriptions and 卵形 when emphasizing the resemblance to an egg.
In casual conversation, you can simply say 楕円 (daen) instead of 楕円形 (daenkei) when the context is clear. For example, 'このテーブルは楕円だよ' (This table is oval). However, 楕円形 is safer for learners.
This shape is called an ellipse.
人工衛星は楕円軌道を描いている。
The satellite is in an elliptical orbit.