Translation guide
The English word "spin" covers a wide range of actions and concepts, from physical rotation to creating thread, and even figurative meanings like interpreting events. This guide breaks down the most common uses for learners.
To turn around a central point, often repeatedly or quickly.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to turn' or 'to revolve'. Used for objects or people spinning on their own.
コマが回っている。
The top is spinning.
地球は自転している。
The Earth spins on its axis.
Transitive verb meaning 'to spin' or 'to turn' something. Used when someone causes something to rotate.
Onomatopoeic adverb + 回る, emphasizing light, continuous spinning. Often used for small objects or playful actions.
風車がくるくる回っている。
The pinwheel is spinning around.
Loanword from English, used in specific contexts like sports (e.g., figure skating, tennis) or physics. Not for general spinning.
フィギュアスケート選手がスピンをした。
The figure skater performed a spin.
To twist fibers together to form thread or yarn.
The standard verb for spinning fibers into thread. Can also be used metaphorically for creating stories or bonds.
For spiders or silkworms to produce silk threads.
Literally 'to stretch a web'. The common phrase for a spider spinning a web.
クモが巣を張っている。
A spider is spinning a web.
Literally 'to spit out thread'. Used for silkworms or spiders producing silk.
To feel as if the world is spinning, often due to illness or shock.
To interpret or present news or events with a particular slant, often for political advantage.
Means 'to manipulate information'. A direct way to express spinning facts.
政府は世論を操作しようとしている。
The government is trying to spin public opinion.
For wheels to lose traction and spin without moving forward, or for a vehicle to skid around.
Literally 'spin empty'. Used for tires spinning on ice or mud, or metaphorically for efforts going in vain.
雪道でタイヤが空回りした。
The tires spun on the snowy road.
English 'my head is spinning' should not be translated word-for-word. Use 目が回る (me ga mawaru) instead of 頭が回る, which means 'to be quick-witted'.
回る (mawaru) is intransitive (something spins), while 回す (mawasu) is transitive (someone spins something). Be careful to use the correct one.
He spun the pen with his fingers.
ハンドルを回してください。
Please spin the wheel.
彼女は羊毛を紡いで糸にした。
She spun wool into yarn.
カイコが糸を吐いて繭を作る。
Silkworms spin silk to make cocoons.
Literally 'eyes spin'. The most common way to say 'I feel dizzy' or 'My head is spinning'.
忙しすぎて目が回りそうだ。
I'm so busy my head is spinning.
立ち上がったら目が回った。
I stood up and felt dizzy.
Onomatopoeic expression for lightheadedness or dizziness, often from anemia or shock.
血を見てくらくらした。
I felt dizzy at the sight of blood.
Literally 'interpret in a convenient way'. Used when someone puts a favorable spin on events.
彼は結果を都合のいいように解釈した。
He spun the results to his advantage.
Loanword used in political or media contexts, similar to English 'spin'. Often combined with コントロール (spin control).
選挙後のスピン合戦が始まった。
The post-election spin battle has begun.
Used for a car spinning out of control. Common in motorsports.
車がスピンして壁にぶつかった。
The car spun and hit the wall.