Translation guide
The English word "turbulence" can refer to physical chaotic fluid motion, rough air during flights, or metaphorical instability. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing irregular, swirling movement in a fluid, often in scientific or technical contexts.
The standard scientific term for turbulent flow in physics and engineering.
Analyze the turbulence inside the pipe.
Specifically refers to turbulent air, often used in aviation or meteorology.
We were caught in turbulence.
A formal term for atmospheric disturbance or turbulence, used in meteorology.
Atmospheric turbulence was observed.
The shaking or bumpiness experienced on an airplane due to unstable air currents.
The most common and natural way to refer to turbulence on a plane. Literally means 'shaking' or 'swaying'.
The plane is experiencing turbulence.
That was a bit of turbulence, wasn't it?
The technical term for turbulent air, often used in announcements or news. More formal than 揺れ.
A casual phrase meaning 'the air currents are bad', used to describe bumpy flight conditions.
Describing a state of confusion, disorder, or upheaval in non-physical contexts.
General term for confusion, disorder, or chaos. Fits most metaphorical uses of 'turbulence'.
The political world is in turbulence.
Refers to violent upheaval or drastic change, often used for historical or social turbulence.
Emotional disturbance, agitation, or unrest. Often used for personal or market turbulence.
Ups and downs, troubles, or storms; often used in set phrases like 波乱万丈 (turbulent life).
In everyday conversation, 揺れ (yure) is the most natural word for turbulence on a plane. 乱気流 (rankiryū) is more technical and often appears in written announcements or news. Using 乱気流 in casual speech can sound overly formal.
That turbulence just now was intense, wasn't it?
Please be aware of turbulence. (formal announcement)
Directly translating 'turbulence' as 乱流 in metaphorical contexts (e.g., emotional turbulence) is unnatural. Use 混乱, 動揺, or 激動 depending on the nuance.
The plane encountered severe turbulence.
Natural in narrative; in speech, ひどく揺れた is more common.
The country is going through political turbulence.
Due to turbulence, the fasten seatbelt sign is on.
The air is really rough today; it's been bumpy the whole time.
Calm the turbulence in one's heart.
激動の時代を生き抜く。
Survive through turbulent times.
そのニュースで市場が動揺した。
The news caused turbulence in the market.
He showed no sign of emotional turbulence.
It was a turbulent life.