Translation guide
A helix is a three-dimensional spiral shape, like a corkscrew or a DNA strand. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 螺旋 (rasen), but other terms exist for specific contexts like geometry, biology, and everyday objects.
Describing a three-dimensional curve that winds around a central axis, like a spring or a spiral staircase.
The standard word for 'helix' in most contexts, including science, mathematics, and everyday descriptions. It can also refer to a spiral in general.
DNAは二重螺旋構造をしている。
DNA has a double helix structure.
螺旋階段を上る。
Climb a spiral staircase.
The kana form of 螺旋, often used in informal writing or when the kanji are considered difficult.
このバネはらせん状になっている。
This spring is in a helical shape.
An alternative kanji for 'helix', less common than 螺旋. Sometimes used in technical contexts.
螺線は螺旋の別表記です。
螺線 is an alternative notation for helix.
Referring specifically to a mathematical helix, a curve in 3D space defined by parametric equations.
Used in geometry to describe a helix. Often combined with terms like 曲線 (curve) or 構造 (structure).
螺旋曲線の方程式を導出する。
Derive the equation of a helical curve.
Literally 'vine-winding line', a term sometimes used in mathematics for a helix, but less common than 螺旋.
つるまき線は螺旋の一種です。
A vine-winding line is a type of helix.
Describing the helical structure of biological molecules like DNA or alpha-helices in proteins.
The standard term in biology for a helix. Often used in compounds like 二重螺旋 (double helix) or α螺旋 (alpha helix).
DNAの二重螺旋は1953年に発見された。
The double helix of DNA was discovered in 1953.
タンパク質のα螺旋構造を解析する。
Analyze the alpha-helix structure of the protein.
The loanword from English, used in scientific contexts, especially in biochemistry. Often seen in compounds like ダブルヘリックス (double helix).
Referring to the outer rim of the ear, known as the helix.
The anatomical term for the helix of the ear. Literally 'ear ring'.
耳輪にピアスを開ける。
Pierce the helix of the ear.
A more specific anatomical term combining 'auricle' and 'helix'. Used in medical contexts.
耳介螺旋の形成異常。
Malformation of the helix.
Describing a spiral scroll-like ornament, especially on Ionic capitals.
General word for spiral or whirl, often used for decorative spirals in architecture and art.
イオニア式柱頭の渦巻き模様。
The volute pattern on an Ionic capital.
Literally 'helix decoration', a descriptive term for a spiral ornament.
柱に螺旋飾りが彫られている。
The pillar is carved with helix decorations.
螺旋 (rasen) refers specifically to a three-dimensional spiral, like a spring or a screw thread. 渦巻き (uzumaki) is a more general term for a spiral or whirl, often two-dimensional (like a whirlpool or a spiral pattern). Use 螺旋 for helices and 渦巻き for flat spirals or whirls.
The loanword ヘリックス (herikkusu) is understood in scientific and technical fields, but 螺旋 is more common in general Japanese. Use ヘリックス when discussing specific scientific terms like alpha helix or helix-turn-helix motif.
αヘリックスはタンパク質の二次構造の一つです。
The alpha helix is one of the secondary structures of proteins.
その階段は完全な螺旋を描いていた。
The staircase formed a perfect helix.
彼女は耳輪にピアスを開けた。
She got a helix piercing.
この遺伝子はヘリックス・ターン・ヘリックスモチーフを持つ。
This gene has a helix-turn-helix motif.