Translation guide
The English word "turmoil" refers to a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty. In Japanese, the best translation depends on the context: whether it's emotional, social, political, or physical chaos.
Expressing inner confusion, distress, or agitation
General term for confusion or disorder, often used for mental states.
彼の心は混乱していた。
His mind was in turmoil.
Emotional disturbance, agitation, or unrest; often implies being shaken.
その知らせを聞いて彼女は動揺した。
She was in turmoil after hearing the news.
Literally 'the heart is disturbed'; a natural way to describe emotional turmoil.
心が乱れて眠れなかった。
I was in such turmoil I couldn't sleep.
Describing unrest, upheaval, or chaos in society
Also the go-to word for social disorder or confusion.
国は混乱に陥った。
The country fell into turmoil.
Riot, disturbance, or upheaval; stronger than 混乱, often used for civil unrest.
Upheaval, cataclysm; implies large-scale social or political turmoil.
Describing a scene of confusion, mess, or disarray
Again, the most versatile word for any kind of turmoil.
事故現場は大混乱だった。
The accident scene was in turmoil.
A state of chaotic crowding or jumble; often used for places.
駅は通勤客でごった返していた。
The station was in turmoil with commuters.
混乱 (konran) is general confusion/disorder, while 動揺 (dōyō) specifically refers to emotional agitation or being shaken. Use 混乱 for situations and 動揺 for feelings.
English 'turmoil' is often used metaphorically. In Japanese, it's more natural to describe the specific type of disturbance rather than using a single catch-all word.
街は騒乱状態だった。
The city was in turmoil.
動乱の時代を生き抜く。
Surviving an era of turmoil.