Translation guide
A vortex is a whirling mass of fluid or air, often with a central cavity. In Japanese, the most common word is 渦 (uzu), but there are several nuanced terms depending on scale, shape, and context.
Describing a swirling motion in water, air, or metaphorically in crowds or emotions.
The most common and versatile word for a vortex, whirlpool, or eddy. Can be used for physical phenomena and metaphorical situations like a whirl of emotions or a crowd.
A large vortex had formed in the river.
He was caught up in a vortex of conflict.
Literally 'whirlpool roll', often used for spiral shapes, whirlpools, or the swirling pattern itself. Common in compound words like 渦巻き模様 (spiral pattern).
A technical term for vortex motion, used in physics and fluid dynamics.
Referring to a massive rotating system like a typhoon, tornado, or oceanic gyre.
Still the most common word, but in context it can refer to large-scale vortices like typhoons.
Specifically a dangerous swirling current in a sea, river, or strait.
Using 'vortex' figuratively to describe being caught up in intense situations.
A common phrase meaning 'to be caught up in a vortex', used for conflicts, scandals, or emotional turmoil.
渦 (uzu) is the general term for a vortex or whirlpool, while 渦巻き (uzumaki) emphasizes the spiral shape or pattern. 渦巻き is often used in compounds like 渦巻き模様 (spiral pattern) or 渦巻きポンプ (spiral pump).
A vortex forms.
The boat was caught in a vortex.
He's wearing a tie with a spiral pattern.
The typhoon's vortex is visible in the satellite photo.
Calculate the eddy viscosity coefficient.
台風の渦は直径数百キロに及ぶ。
The typhoon's vortex extends hundreds of kilometers in diameter.
Emphasizes the spiral shape of large weather systems.
The weather satellite captured a gigantic vortex.
Loanword from English 'vortex', used in scientific or technical contexts, especially in meteorology and engineering.
The polar vortex is a stratospheric vortex.
Literally 'whirlpool tide', refers to tidal whirlpools, often large and powerful. Famous examples include the Naruto whirlpools.
The Naruto whirlpools are a tourist attraction.
General term, but can be used for any whirlpool.
The boat was swallowed by a whirlpool.
From the Norwegian 'Maelstrom', used in literary or mythological contexts for a gigantic, destructive whirlpool.
The legendary maelstrom dragged the ship to the ocean floor.
He was caught up in a vortex of scandal.
Literally 'vortex of chaos', used to describe a chaotic situation.
The meeting descended into a vortex of chaos.
Draw a spiral.
The loanword ボルテックス is understood but sounds technical or scientific. In everyday conversation, use 渦 or 渦巻き instead.
A vortex of emotions swirled inside her.