Translation guide
A shape or movement that curves around a central point, getting closer or farther away. Can be a noun, verb, or adjective in English.
A curve that winds around a central point, like a spiral staircase or a snail shell.
The most common and general word for a spiral shape. Used in geometry, nature, and everyday descriptions.
This shell has a spiral shape.
I climbed the spiral staircase.
Often refers to a whirlpool, vortex, or spiral pattern, especially in water, air, or decorative designs. Can also describe something swirling.
The bathwater formed a spiral as it drained.
There was a spiral pattern drawn in her notebook.
Loanword from English, used in technical or trendy contexts, like 'spiral notebook' or 'spiral perm'. Not as common as 螺旋.
I bought a spiral notebook.
To move in a spiral path, often upward or downward, or to increase/decrease rapidly.
Literally 'move in a spiral shape'. A clear, neutral way to describe spiral movement.
The smoke spiraled upward.
Means 'to form a whirlpool' or 'to swirl'. Often used for liquids, gases, or abstract things like emotions.
The river water was spiraling.
Means 'to rise sharply'. Used for prices, costs, or numbers that spiral upward.
Prices are spiraling upward.
Means 'to fall sharply'. Used for a downward spiral in values or conditions.
Stock prices spiraled downward.
A situation that gets worse and worse, often uncontrollably.
Means 'to fall into a vicious cycle'. Common for describing a downward spiral of problems.
I fell into a spiral of debt.
Literally 'negative spiral'. Used in economics or psychology for a downward spiral.
We can't escape the deflationary spiral.
A simple, casual way to say 'spiral downward' or 'get worse and worse'.
The situation is spiraling out of control.
螺旋 (rasen) is a geometric spiral, like a coil or helix. 渦巻き (uzumaki) is a swirling pattern, often dynamic like a whirlpool or eddy. Use 螺旋 for static shapes, 渦巻き for moving fluids or decorative swirls.
English 'spiral' as a verb for worsening situations is often better expressed with phrases like 悪循環 (vicious cycle) or 急上昇/急降下 (sharp rise/fall). A direct translation like 螺旋する is not natural.
Anxiety spiraled inside me.