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.
反時計回り
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.
このネジは反時計回りに回してください。
Please turn this screw counterclockwise.
台風は反時計回りに回転している。
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.
このダイヤルを左回りに回すと音量が下がります。
Turning this dial counterclockwise lowers the volume.
A less common variant of 反時計回り. Understandable but rarely used.
逆時計回りに回転させてください。
Please rotate it counterclockwise.
Used in geometry, physics, or engineering to specify orientation or rotation direction.
Means 'counterclockwise direction'. Common in technical writing.
ベクトルを反時計方向に90度回転させる。
Rotate the vector 90 degrees counterclockwise.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'the direction opposite to clockwise'. Used when explaining or clarifying.
このモーターは時計回りと反対の方向に回ります。
This motor rotates in the direction opposite to clockwise.
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).