Translation guide
Describes rapid circular or spinning motion, often with a sense of confusion or intensity. Japanese uses different words depending on what is whirling (objects, liquids, wind, thoughts) and the nuance (fast spinning, swirling, or chaotic motion).
To describe something turning around a central point very quickly.
General verb for spinning or rotating. Often used for objects, wheels, or people turning around.
コマが高速で回っている。
The top is whirling at high speed.
Emphasizes light, continuous spinning, often with a playful or dizzy nuance.
子供がくるくる回って遊んでいる。
The child is whirling around playfully.
More formal or technical term for revolving or circling, used for aircraft, birds, or in mechanical contexts.
ヘリコプターが上空で旋回している。
The helicopter is whirling overhead.
To describe a fluid or particles moving in a circular, often chaotic pattern.
Describes swirling motion like eddies, whirlpools, or turbulent air. Often used for water, smoke, or emotions metaphorically.
川の水が渦巻いている。
The river water is whirling.
Used for light things whirling in the air, like snow, leaves, or dust. Implies a floating, dancing motion.
雪が風に舞っている。
The snow is whirling in the wind.
Specifically for violent, whirling winds or storms.
To express a state of mental confusion or overwhelming feelings, as if thoughts are spinning.
Literally 'head becomes confused', the most common way to say your thoughts are whirling.
色々な情報で頭が混乱している。
My head is whirling with all this information.
Literally 'eyes spin', used for dizziness or being overwhelmed, often by busyness.
忙しすぎて目が回りそうだ。
I'm so busy my head is whirling.
Means thoughts are circling or going round and round in one's mind, often with worry.
同じ考えが頭の中を巡っている。
The same thoughts are whirling in my head.
Specifically for a person spinning as part of a dance or ritual.
Again, the light spinning motion, suitable for dancers.
ダンサーがくるくる回っている。
The dancer is whirling around.
A technical term for whirling dance, like Sufi whirling. Rarely used in daily conversation.
旋回舞踊は宗教的な儀式の一部だ。
Whirling dance is part of a religious ritual.
English 'my head is whirling' should not be translated literally as 頭が回っている (which means 'my head is functioning well'). Use 混乱する or 目が回る instead.
嵐が吹き荒れている。
The storm is whirling fiercely.