Translation guide
Describes movement or direction opposite to the rotation of a clock's hands. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the word 反時計回り, but there are also related terms for leftward rotation and technical contexts.
counterclockwise
To describe something moving or turning in a counterclockwise direction.
The standard and most common term for counterclockwise. Used in everyday and technical contexts.
Please turn this screw counterclockwise.
The typhoon is rotating counterclockwise.
Literally 'left turn' or 'left rotation'. Often used interchangeably with 反時計回り, especially in casual or non-technical contexts.
Turning this dial counterclockwise lowers the volume.
A less common variant of 反時計回り. Understandable but rarely used.
Please rotate it counterclockwise.
Used in geometry, physics, or engineering to specify orientation or rotation direction.
Means 'counterclockwise direction'. Common in technical writing.
Rotate the vector 90 degrees counterclockwise.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'the direction opposite to clockwise'. Used when explaining or clarifying.
反時計回り is the precise term, while 左回り is more intuitive and common in everyday speech. Both are widely understood, but 反時計回り is preferred in formal or technical contexts.
When describing how something moves, attach に to the direction word: 反時計回りに回す (turn counterclockwise).
This motor rotates in the direction opposite to clockwise.