Translation guide
Describes something that has the shape of a helix or spiral, or moves in a helical path. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the adjective らせん状の (rasen-jō no) or the noun らせん (rasen) used attributively.
Describing an object or structure that is coiled or spiral-shaped, like a spring, screw thread, or DNA.
The most direct and common way to say 'helical'. It literally means 'in the form of a spiral/helix'. Used as an adjective before nouns.
DNAはらせん状の構造をしている。
DNA has a helical structure.
この階段はらせん状になっている。
This staircase is helical (spiral).
Describing motion that follows a helix, such as a football pass or a particle trajectory.
Literally 'move in a helical manner'. The adverb らせん状に modifies the verb.
ボールがらせん状に飛んだ。
The ball flew in a helical path.
The noun 'spiral' or 'helix'. Can be used attributively by placing it before another noun, often with の, but sometimes directly in compounds.
Means 'spiral-shaped' or 'whirlpool-shaped'. More commonly used for flat spirals or whirlpools, but can sometimes describe helical shapes in a broader sense. Less precise than らせん状の for 3D helices.
渦巻き状の模様
a spiral pattern
Means 'to draw a helix', i.e., to trace a helical path. Often used for objects moving through space.
粒子がらせんを描いて進む。
The particle advances drawing a helix.