Translation guide
The English word "revolution" covers political upheaval, fundamental change, and circular motion. Japanese uses different words for each. This guide helps you choose the right one.
Overthrow of a government or social order, often by force.
The standard word for a political revolution. Used for major historical events like the French Revolution.
フランス革命は1789年に始まった。
The French Revolution began in 1789.
革命が成功した。
The revolution succeeded.
Refers to reform or transformation, often within a system rather than a complete overthrow. Can be used for political or social change.
政治変革が求められている。
Political reform is being demanded.
A dramatic and wide-reaching change in an area like technology, industry, or thought.
Also used metaphorically for major shifts, like the Industrial Revolution or digital revolution.
インターネットは情報革命をもたらした。
The internet brought about an information revolution.
産業革命は社会を大きく変えた。
The Industrial Revolution greatly changed society.
Innovation or reform, often in technology or business. Less about upheaval, more about progress.
A single turn around an axis or center, as in astronomy or mechanics.
Rotation or revolution (one complete turn). Used for wheels, planets, etc.
地球は1日に1回転する。
The Earth makes one revolution per day.
エンジンの回転数が上がった。
The engine's revolutions increased.
Specifically the revolution of a celestial body around another (e.g., Earth around the Sun).
A regular, repeating series of events or the time it takes to complete one cycle.
Cycle or period. Used for natural cycles, economic cycles, etc.
景気には好況と不況の周期がある。
The economy has cycles of boom and bust.
Circulation or cycle, often for recurring processes like blood circulation or economic cycles.
革命 (kakumei) is for political or metaphorical revolutions. 回転 (kaiten) is for physical rotation. Do not confuse them.
革命が起きた。
A revolution occurred (political).
車輪が回転している。
The wheel is revolving.
English "revolution" can mean one turn of a wheel, but 革命 never means that. Use 回転 or 公転 instead.
技術革新が経済成長を支える。
Technological innovation supports economic growth.
地球の公転周期は約365日だ。
The Earth's revolution period is about 365 days.
血液の循環が悪い。
Blood circulation is poor.