Translation guide
Describes movement or orientation opposite to the direction a clock's hands move. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with set phrases or compound words.
To describe something turning, spinning, or moving in an anti-clockwise direction.
The standard, neutral term for 'anti-clockwise'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
このネジは反時計回りに回してください。
Please turn this screw anti-clockwise.
台風は反時計回りに回転している。
The typhoon is rotating anti-clockwise.
Literally 'left turn', often used interchangeably with anti-clockwise, especially in everyday contexts.
蓋は左回りに開きます。
The lid opens anti-clockwise.
A less common variant of 反時計回り. Understandable but not the preferred term.
逆時計回りに回すと外れます。
It comes off if you turn it anti-clockwise.
To describe a circular route or path that goes anti-clockwise.
Used when talking about a planned route, such as for a race or tour.
このコースは反時計回りのルートです。
This course is an anti-clockwise route.
A more casual way to describe a path that goes anti-clockwise.
山を左回りの道で登る。
Climb the mountain via the anti-clockwise path.
反時計回り is the standard technical term, while 左回り is more colloquial and intuitive. Both are widely understood. Use 反時計回り in formal or technical writing.
Do not translate 'anti-clockwise' word-for-word as アンチクロックワイズ. This is not natural Japanese.