Translation guide
The concept of recursion in programming, mathematics, and linguistics, where a function, definition, or rule calls or refers to itself.
A function that calls itself to solve a problem by breaking it down into smaller instances.
The standard term for recursion in computer science. Used in phrases like 'recursive function' (再帰関数).
This function calculates the factorial using recursion.
Specifically 'recursive call'. Often used when explaining the mechanism.
If the recursive call is too deep, a stack overflow occurs.
Adjectival form meaning 'recursive'. Used to describe algorithms, structures, etc.
An example of a recursive data structure is a tree structure.
A definition or function that is defined in terms of itself, often with a base case.
The ability of a grammatical rule to be applied repeatedly, embedding structures within structures.
A process or concept that refers back to itself, often in art, philosophy, or everyday situations.
Can be used broadly for any self-referential loop, though it may sound technical.
This painting has a recursive structure.
Self-reference, often used in philosophy or logic. More precise for non-computational contexts.
Loanword 'loop', used casually for repetitive or self-referencing situations, but not a direct translation of recursion.
This is a casual term for a loop, not the technical concept of recursion. Use only in informal contexts.
再帰 (recursion) is a function calling itself, while ループ (loop) is a repeated execution of a block. In programming, they are distinct concepts, though some problems can be solved with either. In casual Japanese, ループ is often used for any kind of repetition, but in technical contexts, stick to 再帰.
The English word 'recursion' is sometimes confused with 'recurrence' (再発). In Japanese, 再発 (さいはつ) means recurrence (e.g., of a disease), not recursion. Make sure to use 再帰 for the self-referential concept.
Natural numbers can be defined inductively.
This sentence has an embedded structure.
This sentence contains a self-referential paradox.
話がループしてるよ。
The conversation is going in circles.