とぐろ
toguro
The English word 'coil' (noun) can be translated into Japanese. The default form is とぐろ (toguro). Wiktionary also lists 渦状 (kajō) and 螺旋 (rasen).
Meaning: something wound (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| とぐろ | toguro | |
| 渦状 | kajō | [ka̠ʑo̞ː] (narrow) |
| 螺旋 | rasen | [ɾa̠sẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the nature of the coil being described. とぐろ is typically used for the physical, organic coils of a snake or a thick rope. In contrast, 螺旋 is the preferred term for a mathematical or geometric spiral shape, such as a screw or a DNA helix. Finally, 渦状 is used to describe a pattern or movement that is shaped like a whirlpool or a vortex, rather than a solid object wound in a coil.
How do you pronounce it?
toguro
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific word, とぐろを巻く, which describes the action of a snake coiling itself. This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe someone plotting or waiting in ambush.
- The word とぐろ is almost exclusively associated with snakes. Using it to describe a coiled electrical cable would sound very strange to a native speaker.
- While 渦状 describes a vortex, it is the root for the word 渦巻き, which refers to the common spiral patterns found in everything from cinnamon rolls to seashells.
Examples in context
- エンジンのコイルが故障しましたThe engine coil is broken.
- 様々なコイルがあります。There are various coils.
- 蛇が大きなとぐろを巻いている。Hebi ga ookina togro o maite iru.A snake is making a large coil.
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are looking at a photo of a reptile.
- 陽太 Yotaこの蛇のとぐろを見て。kono hebi no tuguro o mite.Look at the coil of this snake.
- 美咲 Misaki本当にきれいに巻いているね。hontou ni kirei ni maite iru ne.It really is coiled neatly.
- 陽太 Yotaとぐろを巻いて寝ているんだよ。tuguro o maite nete iru nda yo.It's sleeping in a coil.
- 美咲 Misaki少し怖いけれど、可愛いね。sukoshi kowai keredo, kawaii ne.It's a bit scary, but cute.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coil” translations and entries とぐろ, 渦状, 螺旋, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
