Translation guide
The English word "recursive" is primarily a technical term used in mathematics, computer science, and linguistics. This guide focuses on how to express the concept of recursion naturally in Japanese, covering both technical and figurative uses.
Describing a function, algorithm, or rule that calls or refers to itself.
The standard technical term for 'recursive'. Used as a な-adjective or adverbially with に.
This function is defined recursively.
Recursive algorithms can be difficult to understand.
Noun meaning 'recursion'. Often used in compounds like 再帰関数 (recursive function).
Recursion is an important concept in programming.
Sometimes used for 'recursive' in mathematical contexts, especially in contrast with 'deductive'. More precisely means 'inductive', but can overlap with recursive definitions.
recursive definition (inductive definition)
Describing something that contains smaller versions of itself, like a fractal or nested structure.
The same technical term can be used figuratively for self-similar patterns.
This painting has a recursive structure.
Literally 'nested structure'. Commonly used to describe recursive containment, like Russian dolls.
Specifically refers to fractal-like recursion. More visual and less abstract.
Describing the ability to embed clauses within clauses indefinitely.
In everyday conversation, directly translating 'recursive' as 再帰的 may sound overly technical or confusing. Instead, describe the specific pattern (e.g., 'repeating', 'nested', 'self-similar').
This design has a recursive/nested structure.
This pattern repeats in a recursive/fractal manner.
This sentence is lengthened by recursive embedding.