Translation guide
The English word 'reel' has several distinct meanings: a spool for winding flexible material, a whirling or staggering motion, a type of dance, and a feeling of shock or confusion. This guide covers the most common ways to express these ideas in Japanese.
A cylindrical object around which thread, wire, film, fishing line, or hose is wound.
The most common and versatile word for a reel, used for fishing reels, film reels, hose reels, etc. A loanword from English.
I attached a new reel to the fishing rod.
The movie film is wound on a large reel.
A more technical term for a winding frame or spool, often used in industrial or textile contexts.
Wind the thread onto the spool.
Specifically refers to a spool, often for thread or fishing line. Less common than リール.
Set the thread on the sewing machine's spool.
To sway or walk unsteadily, as if about to fall, often due to shock, dizziness, or intoxication.
Describes stumbling or staggering, often from a blow, shock, or drunkenness. Intransitive verb.
He reeled from the punch.
To feel dizzy or unsteady on one's feet; often used for lightheadedness or intoxication.
To wobble or be unsteady; can refer to physical staggering or metaphorical instability.
To feel mentally overwhelmed, confused, or dizzy due to surprise, shock, or strong emotion.
Literally 'head feels dizzy', used for mental reeling from shock or confusion.
I reeled when I heard the news.
To feel dizzy or have vertigo; can be used for physical or emotional dizziness.
I reeled from the shock.
To be shaken or upset emotionally; implies mental disturbance rather than physical staggering.
He was reeling from the news.
A lively folk dance of Scottish or Irish origin, or the music for it.
The dance itself is called リール, a direct loanword. Often used in the context of Irish or Scottish music.
Let's dance an Irish reel.
In English, 'reel' can mean both physical staggering and emotional shock. In Japanese, different words are used: よろめく for physical staggering, and 動揺する or 頭がくらくらする for emotional reeling. Using the wrong one can sound unnatural.
He staggered but wasn't emotionally shaken.
She reeled at the news.
酒を飲みすぎてふらついた。
I drank too much and was reeling.
地震で建物がぐらついた。
The building reeled in the earthquake.