Translation guide
A prehistoric monument consisting of standing stones arranged in a circle. In Japanese, this is typically referred to by the borrowed term ストーンサークル or the more descriptive 環状列石.
Referring to a circle of standing stones, such as Stonehenge or similar monuments.
Specifically referring to stone circles found in Japan, often from the Jomon era.
ストーンサークル is the everyday word, while 環状列石 is the formal archaeological term. Use ストーンサークル in casual conversation and 環状列石 in academic writing or when reading official site descriptions.
The most common and widely understood term, borrowed from English. Used in tourism, archaeology, and everyday conversation.
There are many famous stone circles in the UK.
A more technical or archaeological term, literally 'ring-shaped arranged stones'. Often used in academic contexts or signage at historical sites.
This stone circle is from the Jomon period.
Means 'group of megaliths' and can refer to stone circles among other megalithic structures. Less specific, but sometimes used in names of sites.
Stonehenge is a world-famous megalithic group.
The standard term used by archaeologists and in official descriptions of Japanese sites like Oyu Stone Circle.
The Oyu Stone Circle is in Akita Prefecture.
Also used for Japanese sites, especially in tourism materials aimed at a general audience.
There are also stone circles in Hokkaido.