Translation guide
A shape or movement that curves around a central point, getting closer or farther away. Can be a noun, verb, or adjective in English.
A curve that winds around a central point, like a spiral staircase or a snail shell.
To move in a spiral path, often upward or downward, or to increase/decrease rapidly.
Literally 'move in a spiral shape'. A clear, neutral way to describe spiral movement.
煙が螺旋状に動いて昇っていった。
The smoke spiraled upward.
A situation that gets worse and worse, often uncontrollably.
Means 'to fall into a vicious cycle'. Common for describing a downward spiral of problems.
借金の悪循環に陥った。
I fell into a spiral of debt.
螺旋 (rasen) is a geometric spiral, like a coil or helix. 渦巻き (uzumaki) is a swirling pattern, often dynamic like a whirlpool or eddy. Use 螺旋 for static shapes, 渦巻き for moving fluids or decorative swirls.
English 'spiral' as a verb for worsening situations is often better expressed with phrases like 悪循環 (vicious cycle) or 急上昇/急降下 (sharp rise/fall). A direct translation like 螺旋する is not natural.
This shell has a spiral shape.
螺旋階段を上った。
I climbed the spiral staircase.
Often refers to a whirlpool, vortex, or spiral pattern, especially in water, air, or decorative designs. Can also describe something swirling.
風呂の排水が渦巻きを作った。
The bathwater formed a spiral as it drained.
彼女のノートには渦巻き模様が描いてあった。
There was a spiral pattern drawn in her notebook.
Loanword from English, used in technical or trendy contexts, like 'spiral notebook' or 'spiral perm'. Not as common as 螺旋.
スパイラルノートを買った。
I bought a spiral notebook.
Means 'to form a whirlpool' or 'to swirl'. Often used for liquids, gases, or abstract things like emotions.
川の水が渦を巻いていた。
The river water was spiraling.
不安が心の中で渦を巻いた。
Anxiety spiraled inside me.
Means 'to rise sharply'. Used for prices, costs, or numbers that spiral upward.
物価が急上昇している。
Prices are spiraling upward.
Means 'to fall sharply'. Used for a downward spiral in values or conditions.
株価が急降下した。
Stock prices spiraled downward.
Literally 'negative spiral'. Used in economics or psychology for a downward spiral.
デフレの負のスパイラルから抜け出せない。
We can't escape the deflationary spiral.
A simple, casual way to say 'spiral downward' or 'get worse and worse'.
状況がどんどん悪くなっている。
The situation is spiraling out of control.