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.
The top is spinning.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The door revolves.
He spun the pen with his fingers.
Please spin the wheel.
She spun wool into yarn.
A spider is spinning a web.
Literally 'to spit out thread'. Used for silkworms or spiders producing silk.
Silkworms spin silk to make cocoons.
Literally 'eyes spin'. The most common way to say 'I feel dizzy' or 'My head is spinning'.
I'm so busy my head is spinning.
I stood up and felt dizzy.
Onomatopoeic expression for lightheadedness or dizziness, often from anemia or shock.
I felt dizzy at the sight of blood.
The government is trying to spin public opinion.
Literally 'interpret in a convenient way'. Used when someone puts a favorable spin on events.
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).
The post-election spin battle has begun.
The tires spun on the snowy road.
Used for a car spinning out of control. Common in motorsports.
The car spun and hit the wall.
He spins the door.