渦巻
uzumaki[ɯ̟zɨma̠kʲi]
The Japanese word for 'spiral' is 渦巻, romanized as uzumaki. Wiktionary also lists スパイラル (supairaru).
Meaning: geometry (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 渦巻 | uzumaki | [ɯ̟zɨma̠kʲi] (narrow) |
| スパイラル | supairaru | [sɨpa̠iɾa̠ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
The term refers to the geometric shape or pattern of a spiral. It is used for natural or physical spirals like whirlpools or patterns.
Which one should you use?
There are different ways to express 'spiral' depending on the context. The native term 渦巻 (uzumaki) is used for natural or physical spirals such as whirlpools or patterns. In contrast, the katakana form スパイラル (supairaru) is a direct phonetic loan from the English word 'spiral' and is often used in technical, mathematical or loanword contexts. Additionally, rasen is the formal term for 'spiral'.
How does it change in a sentence?
One common usage is the phrase rasen kaidan, which translates to 'spiral stairs'.
How do you pronounce it?
uzumaki
Did you know?
- While uzumaki refers to a 2D spiral or a whirlpool, the word rasen is used for a 3D helix, such as the shape of DNA.
- The kanji 巻 in uzumaki meaning 'winding' is the same character used to denote a volume or a book.
- The term uzumaki is the name of a horror manga by Junji Ito where the spiral shape acts as a malevolent and infectious force.
Examples in context
- 日本庭園の中に立つ美しい鉄の 螺旋 橋。A beautiful iron spiral bridge stands in the Japanese garden.
- デザインには 螺旋 のモチーフが使われています。The design incorporates a motif of a spiral.
- あのカラフルなアートにはたくさんの くるくる した線が描かれている。That colorful artwork features many spiral lines.
- 海辺の砂浜で くるくる と渦を作って遊んだ。I played by making spiral whirlpools in the sandy beach.
- 砂嵐が渦巻を描いている。Sunaarashi ga uzumaki o egaite iru.A sandstorm is drawing a spiral.
- この模様は渦巻の形をしている。Kono moyou wa uzumaki no katachi o shite iru.This pattern is in the shape of a spiral.
- 水面に渦巻ができていた。Suimen ni uzumaki ga dekite ita.A spiral had formed on the water's surface.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are looking at a science museum exhibit.
- 美咲 Misaki見て、この模様は完璧な渦巻ね。Mite, kono moyō wa kanpeki na uzumaki ne.Look, this pattern is a perfect spiral.
- 蓮 Ren本当だ。自然の造形はすごいね。Hontō da. Shizen no zōkei wa sugoi ne.You're right. Nature's designs are amazing.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮は渦巻が好きだと思っていたの。Ren wa uzumaki ga suki da to omotte ita no.I thought you liked spirals, Ren.
- 蓮 Renうん、ずっと興味があったんだ。Un, zutto kyōmi ga atta nda.Yeah, I've always been interested in them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spiral” translations and entries 渦巻, スパイラル, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
