Translation guide
A circular intersection where traffic moves around a central island. In Japanese, the most common term is ロータリー, but 環状交差点 is the official legal term. Note that ラウンドアバウト is sometimes used for modern roundabouts with yield rules.
The most common way to refer to a circular intersection in everyday Japanese.
The most widely understood term for a traffic circle or rotary. Used in everyday conversation and on signs.
あのロータリーはいつも混んでいます。
That traffic circle is always congested.
ロータリーを右に出てください。
Exit the rotary to the right.
The official legal term for a roundabout or traffic circle. Used in traffic laws and formal contexts.
環状交差点では、右回りに通行してください。
At a roundabout, please drive clockwise.
ロータリー is the everyday word. 環状交差点 is the legal term seen in traffic regulations. ラウンドアバウト is a newer loanword often used by traffic engineers to distinguish modern roundabouts from older rotaries. In casual conversation, ロータリー is sufficient.
この先にロータリーがあります。
There is a traffic circle ahead.
A loanword from English, sometimes used to refer specifically to modern roundabouts with yield-on-entry rules. Not as common as ロータリー.
最近、ラウンドアバウトが増えています。
Recently, roundabouts have been increasing.