循環する
循環する in 30 Sekunden
- A formal verb meaning 'to circulate' or 'to cycle' in a systemic loop.
- Used for blood, air, money, and environmental resources like water.
- Commonly seen in terms like 'virtuous cycle' (好循環) and 'circular bus' (循環バス).
- Distinguished from simple spinning (回転) or patrolling (巡回) by its systemic focus.
The Japanese verb 循環する (じゅんかんする - junkan suru) is a sophisticated CEFR B1 level term that fundamentally describes a process of moving in a circle or a loop, returning to the starting point to begin the process again. While the English translation 'to circulate' is accurate, the Japanese usage spans across physical, economic, environmental, and abstract domains, often carrying a nuance of a 'closed system' where resources or energy are reused or renewed. In its most literal sense, it refers to the movement of fluids or gases, such as blood through the body or air through a ventilation system. However, its importance in modern Japanese discourse cannot be overstated, especially regarding the 'Circular Economy' (循環型経済), which is a major topic in Japanese policy and corporate social responsibility. When you use 循環する, you are describing a system that is self-sustaining or repetitive in a structured way.
- Scientific Context
- In biology and physics, this word is the standard term for systems like the 'circulatory system' (循環器系). It describes the constant flow of blood pumped by the heart. In environmental science, it refers to the 'water cycle' (水の循環) or the way nutrients move through an ecosystem. It implies a natural order where nothing is truly lost, but rather transformed and moved along.
血液は体中を循環することで、酸素を運びます。(Blood circulates through the body to carry oxygen.)
- Economic and Social Context
- In economics, 循環する describes the flow of capital or goods. When money 'circulates' within a local community, it strengthens the economy. A common phrase used in business is the 'virtuous cycle' (好循環), where one positive action leads to another, eventually benefiting the first action again. Conversely, an 'evil cycle' or 'vicious cycle' (悪循環) describes a self-reinforcing downward spiral.
Furthermore, the concept of 循環 is deeply rooted in Japanese traditional thought, reflecting a worldview where seasons, life, and nature are seen as cyclical rather than linear. In modern conversation, you might hear this word when discussing recycling or sustainable living. A 'circulating society' (循環型社会) is one that minimizes waste by reusing materials. If you are talking about the air conditioning in a room, you would use this verb to describe the movement of air to ensure even temperature distribution. It is a word that bridges the gap between high-level academic theory and everyday practical maintenance.
この部屋は空気がうまく循環するように設計されています。(This room is designed so that the air circulates well.)
- Abstract Usage
- Abstractly, it can describe the flow of information or rumors. If a piece of news 'circulates' within an organization, it moves from person to person. However, for physical documents, '回覧する' (kairan suru) is more common. 循環する remains the preferred term for abstract systems and natural phenomena.
Using 循環する correctly requires understanding its role as a 'Suru-verb'. It is primarily used as an intransitive verb, meaning the subject itself performs the circulation or the circulation happens to the subject without a direct object. For example, 'Blood circulates' (血液が循環する). However, in specific technical contexts, it can be used transitively, though this is less common in daily speech. To master this word, you should focus on the particles used with it, most commonly が (ga) for the subject and を (wo) or 内を (nai wo) to describe the space through which something circulates.
エコシステムの中では、エネルギーが効率よく循環する。(Within an ecosystem, energy circulates efficiently.)
When discussing economic cycles, the word is often paired with nouns like 景気 (keiki - economy/business conditions) or 資金 (shikin - funds). A phrase you will often see in news headlines is '資金が市場を循環する' (Funds circulate through the market). This implies that money is moving actively, which is a sign of a healthy economy. In a grammatical sense, you can also use the noun form 循環 (junkan) followed by other nouns to create compound words, such as 循環バス (junkan basu - circular/loop bus) or 循環論法 (junkan ronpou - circular reasoning).
- Common Grammatical Patterns
- 1. [Subject] + が + 循環する: The basic pattern for natural/physical flow.
2. [Place] + を + 循環する: Describing the path (e.g., 'circulating the city').
3. [Noun] + の + 循環: The circulation of [Noun].
都市を循環するバスに乗れば、主要な観光地をすべて回れます。(If you take the bus that circulates the city, you can go around all the major tourist spots.)
In formal writing, 循環する is often used to describe logical structures. If an argument is 'circular', meaning the conclusion is used as a premise, it is called 循環している (junkan shite iru). This is a useful phrase for academic debates or critical thinking exercises. Note that in these contexts, the 'te-iru' form is used to describe the ongoing state of the logical flaw.
Finally, consider the environmental context. Japan's 'Basic Act on Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society' uses the term 循環型社会 (Junkan-gata shakai). When you talk about recycling, you might say '資源を循環させる' (shigen wo junkan saseru - to make resources circulate), using the causative form to indicate human intervention in the natural or systemic flow. This nuance of 'making something circulate' is vital for discussions on sustainability and waste management.
You will encounter 循環する in a variety of real-world settings in Japan, ranging from the mundane to the highly technical. Perhaps the most common place for a traveler to see it is at a bus stop. In many Japanese cities, there are 'Junkan' (循環) buses. Unlike regular buses that go from Point A to Point B and back, these buses travel in a continuous loop around a specific area, such as a city center or a university campus. Hearing the announcement 'このバスは市内を循環します' (Kono basu wa shinai wo junkan shimasu) tells you that the bus will eventually return to where you started.
この循環バスは、15分おきに駅前を通過します。(This circular bus passes the front of the station every 15 minutes.)
In a medical setting, if you go for a check-up, the doctor might discuss your 'circulatory system' (循環器 - junkanki). They might say '血液の循環が良くないですね' (Ketsueki no junkan ga yokunai desu ne - Your blood circulation isn't very good). This is a common way to explain symptoms like cold hands and feet (冷え性 - hieshou). In this context, the word sounds professional yet accessible to the general public. It is also frequently heard in weather reports. Meteorologists talk about 'atmospheric circulation' (大気の循環) to explain why certain weather patterns are persisting or changing. They might describe how warm air circulates from the south, bringing seasonal changes.
- News and Media
- On NHK News, you will often hear about the 'economic cycle' (景気循環). Reporters use this to discuss whether the Japanese economy is in a period of expansion or recession. Terms like '好循環' (koujunkan - virtuous cycle) are political buzzwords often used by prime ministers to describe their goals for wage hikes leading to increased consumption, which then leads to more economic growth.
Another frequent context is environmental education. Schools and local governments often promote the '3Rs' (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) as part of a 'Junkan-gata' (circulatory) lifestyle. You might see posters in public parks explaining how 'water circulates' from the mountains to the sea and back to the clouds. This reinforces the idea of 循環 as a natural, healthy process that humans should respect and emulate. In office buildings, you might see signs near the air conditioning controls that say '空気を循環させてください' (Please circulate the air), especially during the 'Cool Biz' or 'Warm Biz' seasons to save energy.
Lastly, in the world of technology and computing, 'circular references' in spreadsheets (Excel) are called 循環参照 (junkan sanshou). If you make a mistake in a formula where a cell refers to itself, a pop-up warning will appear using this word. Similarly, in programming, a 'circular dependency' between modules is described using 循環. These technical uses highlight the word's versatility in describing any system where the end points back to the beginning.
While 循環する is a versatile word, English speakers often over-apply it or confuse it with other Japanese words for 'moving' or 'turning'. One of the most common mistakes is using 循環する when you simply mean 'to rotate' or 'to spin' like a wheel. For a physical object spinning on an axis, the correct word is 回転する (kaiten suru). For example, you wouldn't say a car tire 'circulates'; it 'rotates'. 循環する requires a flow through a path, not just spinning in place.
- Confusing with 巡回する (Junkai suru)
- Another frequent error is confusing 循環 (junkan) with 巡回 (junkai). While both involve moving in a loop, 巡回する specifically means 'to go on a patrol' or 'to make rounds'. A security guard or a nurse 'junkai' (patrols) the building. A computer virus might 'junkai' (spread through) a network. 循環 is for the flow of a substance or abstract concept within a system, whereas 巡回 is about an entity visiting multiple points in a sequence.
❌ 警備員が建物を循環している。
✅ 警備員が建物を巡回している。
(The guard is patrolling the building.)
Another nuance mistake involves the word 交代する (koutai suru), which means 'to take turns'. If you and a friend are alternating tasks, that is not 循環. 循環 implies a continuous, often automatic or systemic flow. If you use 循環 to describe people taking turns, it sounds like you are treating the people like water in a pipe, which is grammatically odd and socially awkward. Use 循環 only when the focus is on the repetitive, systemic nature of the movement.
Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the transitivity of the word. In English, we can say 'I circulated the memo.' In Japanese, if you want to say you caused something to circulate, you should use the causative form 循環させる (junkan saseru). Simply saying 'メモを循環した' sounds incorrect because 循環する is primarily intransitive. If you are distributing a physical document for people to read, the specific term 回覧する (kairan suru) is much more natural. Understanding these boundaries will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid clinical or robotic-sounding Japanese.
To truly understand 循環する, it helps to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Japanese has many words for 'movement' and 'loops', each with a specific register and context. Below is a breakdown of how 循環する compares to other common verbs.
- 循環する vs. 巡る (Meguru)
- 巡る (Meguru) is a more poetic and indigenous Japanese word (wago). It also means to go around or circulate, but it is often used for the change of seasons (季節が巡る) or traveling around various places (各地を巡る). While 循環する is clinical and systemic, 巡る is evocative and narrative. Use 循環する for a biology textbook and 巡る for a novel or travelogue.
- 循環する vs. 流通する (Ryuutsuu suru)
- 流通する (Ryuutsuu suru) is specifically used for the 'distribution' of goods or money in a market. While 循環 emphasizes the return to the start (the loop), 流通 emphasizes the spread and availability of items through a network. You 'circulate' (循環) blood, but you 'distribute/circulate' (流通) currency or products.
季節が巡り、また春が来た。(The seasons went around, and spring came again.)
新札が市場に流通し始めた。(New bills have started to circulate in the market.)
- 循環する vs. 周期 (Shuuki)
- 周期 (Shuuki) is a noun meaning 'cycle' or 'period'. While 循環 is the action of moving in a loop, 周期 refers to the time it takes for one loop to complete. For example, the 'cycle of the moon' is 月の周期. You might say '循環の周期' (the period of circulation) to describe how long it takes for a system to reset.
When you want to emphasize the 're-use' aspect of circulation, the word 再生 (saisei) or 再利用 (sairiyou) is often used in conjunction with 循環. For instance, in a 'Sound Material-Cycle Society', the goal is to ensure that resources (資源) are not just used once but are part of a 循環. Understanding these synonyms allows you to choose the word with the perfect nuance for your specific situation, whether you are talking about biology, economics, or the passage of time.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The kanji '環' is also found in the word '環境' (kankyou - environment), implying that the environment is something that surrounds us and functions in cycles.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'ju' as 'yu' (it should be a 'j' sound).
- Over-emphasizing the 'n' in the middle.
- Using a hard English 'r' for 'ru' (it should be a Japanese flap 'r').
- Misplacing the pitch accent on the second syllable.
- Shortening the 'kan' syllable too much.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
The kanji are N2 level, but the concept is common in B1/N3 materials.
Writing '環' can be tricky due to the number of strokes.
Easy to pronounce, but requires knowing the correct particles.
Distinct sound, easy to pick out in news or announcements.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Suru-verbs (Noun + する)
循環 + する = 循環する
Causative Form (〜させる)
空気を循環させる (Make the air circulate)
Te-iru for State (〜ている)
論理が循環している (The logic is circular)
Noun Modification (Relative Clause)
循環するバス (The bus that circulates)
Compound Nouns
循環 + バス = 循環バス
Beispiele nach Niveau
このバスはえきをじゅんかんします。
This bus circulates (goes around) the station.
Uses the basic verb form in hiragana for beginners.
みずがじゅんかんします。
The water circulates.
Subject + が + verb.
くうきをじゅんかんさせてください。
Please circulate the air.
Causative + kudasai (request).
じゅんかんバスにのります。
I will get on the circular bus.
Noun + noun compound.
まるいかたちでじゅんかんします。
It circulates in a round shape.
Describing the manner of movement.
おかねがじゅんかんします。
Money circulates.
Simple abstract concept.
あつい空気がじゅんかんしています。
Hot air is circulating.
Te-iru form for ongoing state.
じゅんかんはたいせつです。
Circulation is important.
Using the noun form as a subject.
扇風機で部屋の空気を循環させます。
I circulate the air in the room with a fan.
Causative form (saseru) to show action.
この池の水はポンプで循環しています。
The water in this pond is circulating via a pump.
Te-iru form for a continuous mechanical process.
血液が体内を循環することで、元気になります。
By blood circulating through the body, one becomes healthy.
Koto de (by means of) + result.
冬は暖かい空気を循環させるといいですよ。
In winter, it's good to circulate warm air.
Advice pattern (~to ii desu yo).
ゴミを減らして、資源を循環させましょう。
Let's reduce trash and circulate resources.
Volitional form (mashou) for a suggestion.
このルートを循環するバスは便利です。
The bus that circulates this route is convenient.
Relative clause modifying 'basu'.
悪い習慣が循環しているようです。
It seems like a bad habit is cycling.
Metaphorical use of circulation.
自然界では、水が常に循環しています。
In the natural world, water is always circulating.
Tsune ni (always) + te-iru.
経済を活性化させるためには、お金が循環することが不可欠だ。
In order to revitalize the economy, it is essential for money to circulate.
Tame ni (in order to) + fukaketsu (essential).
運動をすると血液の循環が良くなり、代謝も上がります。
When you exercise, blood circulation improves and metabolism also rises.
Conditional 'to' for natural consequences.
このビルは、雨水を浄化してトイレなどで循環利用しています。
This building purifies rainwater and uses it in a cycle for things like toilets.
Junkan-riyou (cyclical use) as a compound.
彼は、同じ失敗を繰り返す悪循環に陥っている。
He has fallen into a vicious cycle of repeating the same mistakes.
Akujunkan (vicious cycle) + ni ochiru (fall into).
植物は二酸化炭素を吸い、酸素を出すことで空気を循環させている。
Plants circulate the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
Describing a biological system using causative te-iru.
この本は、都市伝説がどのように社会を循環するかを解説している。
This book explains how urban legends circulate through society.
Indirect question using 'kadouka' or 'dou~ka'.
冷房効率を上げるため、サーキュレーターで空気を循環させる。
To improve cooling efficiency, circulate the air with a circulator.
Purpose clause + action.
資源が循環する社会、すなわち循環型社会の実現を目指すべきだ。
We should aim for the realization of a society where resources circulate, namely, a sound material-cycle society.
Sunawachi (namely) used to define a term.
景気循環の波を予測するのは、プロのエコノミストでも難しい。
Predicting the waves of the economic cycle is difficult even for professional economists.
Keiki junkan (economic cycle) as a technical term.
この論文の論理は循環しており、前提が結論を証明していない。
The logic of this paper is circular; the premises do not prove the conclusion.
Describing logical flaws using 'junkan shite iru'.
海洋深層水が数千年の時をかけて地球全体を循環している。
Deep ocean water circulates the entire globe over a period of thousands of years.
Toki wo kakete (taking time) + movement.
企業が利益を社員に還元することで、消費の好循環が生まれる。
By companies returning profits to employees, a virtuous cycle of consumption is born.
Koujunkan (virtuous cycle) as a positive outcome.
リンや窒素などの栄養塩が海域を循環する仕組みを研究する。
I study the mechanism by which nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen circulate in sea areas.
Technical list using 'nado' and 'shikumi' (mechanism).
政府は、プラスチック資源の循環を促進するための新法を施行した。
The government enacted a new law to promote the circulation of plastic resources.
Formal verb 'shikou suru' (to enact/enforce).
情報の循環が速すぎる現代社会では、真偽の確認が追いつかない。
In modern society where the circulation of information is too fast, verifying truth can't keep up.
Too much (~sugiru) + inability to keep up (oitsukanai).
冷却水がエンジン内部を循環し、過熱を防ぐ構造になっている。
The cooling water circulates inside the engine, creating a structure that prevents overheating.
Resultative 'ni natte iru' (is structured to).
大気の大循環は、地球の熱収支を均一化する重要な役割を担っている。
The general atmospheric circulation plays a crucial role in equalizing the Earth's heat budget.
Taiki no daijunkan (general atmospheric circulation) - academic term.
資本の循環が滞ると、金融システム全体が機能不全に陥るリスクがある。
If the circulation of capital stagnates, there is a risk that the entire financial system will fall into dysfunction.
Stagnate (todokooru) + risk (risuku ga aru).
本研究は、都市部における廃棄物の循環利用率の向上策を提言するものである。
This study proposes measures to improve the cyclical use rate of waste in urban areas.
Formal 'teigen suru mono de aru' ending for research papers.
仏教的な輪廻転生の思想は、魂が永劫に循環するという観念に基づいている。
The Buddhist idea of reincarnation is based on the notion that souls circulate eternally.
Philosophical context using 'eigou' (eternity).
サプライチェーンの各段階で付加価値が循環し、最終製品に至る。
Value added circulates at each stage of the supply chain, leading to the final product.
Business process description.
生態系における物質循環のバランスが崩れると、生物多様性が脅かされる。
When the balance of material circulation in an ecosystem is disrupted, biodiversity is threatened.
Busshitsu junkan (material circulation) - biology term.
この都市計画は、人と情報の循環を最適化するように設計されている。
This urban planning is designed to optimize the circulation of people and information.
Optimization (saitekika) + design (sekkei).
政治権力の循環が健全に行われることが、民主主義の根幹である。
The healthy circulation of political power is the foundation of democracy.
Abstract political philosophy.
熱力学第二法則は、閉鎖系におけるエネルギー循環の限界を示唆している。
The second law of thermodynamics suggests the limits of energy circulation in a closed system.
Heisakei (closed system) - physics term.
グローバルな資本主義社会において、富の偏在は循環の不全を意味する。
In a global capitalist society, the maldistribution of wealth signifies a failure of circulation.
Hen-zai (maldistribution) + fuzen (failure/dysfunction).
ニーチェの「永劫回帰」は、存在そのものが無限に循環するという深淵な思想だ。
Nietzsche's 'Eternal Recurrence' is a profound thought that existence itself circulates infinitely.
Nietzschean philosophy context.
深層海流の循環(コンベアベルト)の停止は、壊滅的な気候変動を招きかねない。
The cessation of deep ocean current circulation (the conveyor belt) could lead to catastrophic climate change.
~かねない (might happen/could lead to) for negative outcomes.
貨幣が単なる蓄蔵の対象ではなく、循環の媒体として機能してこそ経済は躍動する。
Only when money functions as a medium of circulation rather than a mere object of hoarding does the economy thrive.
~shite koso (only after/only when) for emphasis.
情報の非対称性が循環を阻害し、市場の失敗を引き起こすメカニズムを解明する。
We will elucidate the mechanism by which information asymmetry inhibits circulation and causes market failure.
Information asymmetry (jouhou no hitaishousei) - economics.
生命の循環というマクロな視点から見れば、死もまた一つのプロセスに過ぎない。
From the macro perspective of the cycle of life, death is also merely one process.
~ni sugizunai (nothing more than).
自己参照的な言語の循環が、意味の不確定性を生み出すパラドックスを探究する。
We explore the paradox where the circularity of self-referential language creates the indeterminacy of meaning.
Post-structuralist linguistic theory context.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— A circular reference in a spreadsheet or code. Used when a formula refers to itself.
エクセルで循環参照のエラーが出た。
— The economic cycle. Refers to the periodic ups and downs of an economy.
景気循環の局面を判断する。
— The water cycle. Describes how water moves from earth to sky and back.
理科の授業で水の循環を習った。
— Recirculation. Often used in engineering for reusing water or air.
排気ガスを再循環させるシステム。
— Circular reasoning. A logical fallacy where the conclusion is in the premise.
それは循環論法にすぎない。
— Great circulation. Usually refers to global atmospheric or oceanic patterns.
大西洋の熱塩循環は大循環の一部だ。
— Circulatory organs. Specifically the heart and blood vessels.
循環器の専門医に相談する。
— Recurring decimal. A decimal number with a repeating pattern.
1/3は0.333...という循環小数になる。
— Circulation pump. A device used to move fluids in a closed loop.
お風呂の循環ポンプが故障した。
— Round-trip trading. A fraudulent accounting practice involving circular sales.
循環取引が発覚し、株価が急落した。
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Kaiten means to spin on an axis (like a wheel). Junkan means to move through a path (like blood).
Junkai means to patrol or make rounds. Junkan is for systemic flow.
Koutai means to take turns. Junkan is a continuous system.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To fall into a vicious cycle. One bad thing leads to another, making the original problem worse.
不安が不眠を呼び、さらに不安になるという悪循環に陥った。
Common— A virtuous cycle is spinning. Success in one area facilitates success in another.
新商品のヒットで、会社の経営に好循環が回り始めた。
Business— Literally 'blood circulates', but often used to mean feeling alive or energized.
温泉に入って、全身に血が循環するのを感じた。
Daily— The circulation of wisdom. Passing knowledge from one generation to the next.
師匠から弟子へ、知恵の循環が途絶えてはならない。
Literary— The circulation of wealth. The idea that money should move to benefit everyone.
寄付を通じて富の循環を促す。
Formal— The cycle of nature. The balance of birth, death, and environmental renewal.
私たちは自然の循環の一部として生きている。
Common— The flow of information. How news or data moves through a network.
SNSによって情報の循環速度が劇的に上がった。
Modern— The cycle of cause and effect. Often related to karma.
善行は回り回って自分に返る、因果の循環だ。
Philosophical— Energy circulation. Can be used in physics or spiritual contexts (like Qi).
ヨガで体内のエネルギーの循環を整える。
Spiritual/Scientific— History repeats itself (History circulates). The idea that events recur.
歴史は循環すると言われるが、全く同じことは起きない。
AcademicLeicht verwechselbar
Both involve moving in a loop.
巡回 is for people/entities visiting points (patrol). 循環 is for substances/concepts flowing in a system.
警備員が巡回する (Guard patrols) vs 血液が循環する (Blood circulates).
Both imply a circular motion.
回転 is spinning in place. 循環 is moving along a circuit.
タイヤが回転する (Tire spins) vs 空気が循環する (Air circulates).
Both involve 'passing around'.
回覧 is specifically for documents being read by a group. 循環 is more general/systemic.
資料を回覧する (Pass the document around).
Both mean going around.
周回 is often used for laps in a race or orbits in space. 循環 is for systems and cycles.
月が地球を周回する (The moon orbits the earth).
Both mean circulation.
流通 is for market distribution (goods/money). 循環 is for the loop itself.
噂が流通する (Rumors circulate/spread) - though 循環 can also be used for rumors, 流通 is more about the spread.
Satzmuster
[Noun] が [Place] を 循環する
血液が体内を循環する。
[Noun] を 循環させる
空気を循環させる。
[Noun] の 悪循環 に 陥る
借金の悪循環に陥る。
[Noun] の 好循環 を 生む
投資が雇用の好循環を生む。
循環型 [Noun]
循環型社会を目指す。
論理 が 循環 している
君の主張は論理が循環している。
[Noun] の 循環 を 阻害する
渋滞が物流の循環を阻害する。
[Philosophical Concept] は 循環 する
万物は循環する。
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Common in news, science, and transportation. Rare in very casual slang except for 'akujunkan'.
-
Using 循環する for a spinning wheel.
→
回転する
A wheel spins on an axis (回転). 循環 refers to a flow through a circuit.
-
Saying 'メモを循環する' (I circulated the memo).
→
メモを回覧する
Circulating a document for people to read is '回覧'. 循環 is more for systemic flow.
-
Using '循環する' for people taking turns.
→
交代する / 順繰りにする
People taking turns is '交代'. 循環 sounds too mechanical/biological for people.
-
Confusing 循環 (Junkan) with 巡回 (Junkai).
→
巡回 (for patrols)
If a security guard is 'circulating', use 巡回. If blood is 'circulating', use 循環.
-
Using 循環 for 'recycling' as a simple verb.
→
リサイクルする / 再利用する
循環 is the *system* of circulation. To physically recycle an item, use リサイクル.
Tipps
Think Systems
Always use 循環する when you are describing a system where the input eventually becomes the output again, like water, money, or air.
Particle Choice
Use 'が' for the thing flowing (血液が) and 'を' for the area it flows through (体内を).
Opposites Attract
Learn '好循環' (virtuous) and '悪循環' (vicious) together; they are extremely common in adult Japanese conversation.
Kanji Tip
The kanji '環' (kan) is the same one in '環境' (environment). If you remember that the environment is a cycle, you'll never forget the kanji.
Travel Tip
If a bus says '循環', it will eventually take you back to where you started. Don't worry about getting lost!
Business Logic
In business meetings, use '好循環を生む' to sound proactive about growth and sustainability.
Logical Fallacy
If someone's argument makes no sense because they are repeating themselves, call it '循環論法' (circular reasoning).
Home Care
In the summer, tell people '空気を循環させよう' (Let's circulate the air) to help keep the room cool.
Health Talk
If you have cold feet, tell a Japanese doctor '循環が悪い気がします' (I feel like my circulation is bad).
Ancient Roots
The word comes from observing the stars. Nature's cycles were the first 'Junkan' humans noticed.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'Jun' as a 'Junior' and 'Kan' as a 'Can'. A Junior is kicking a Can around a circular track. It keeps coming back to him. Jun-Kan.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a green recycling symbol (three arrows in a circle). This is the universal symbol for 循環 in a social context.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to find three things in your current room that 'circulate' (air, fan, money in your wallet, water in pipes) and say '___が循環しています' for each.
Wortherkunft
The word is a Sino-Japanese compound (Kango). '循' (jun) means to follow, obey, or go in order. '環' (kan) means a ring, circle, or to surround. Together, they describe following a circular path.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To move along a ring-shaped path in a prescribed order.
Sino-Japanese (Kango)Kultureller Kontext
No specific sensitivities, but in medical contexts, be careful when discussing 'junkan' problems as it can refer to serious heart conditions.
In English, 'circulation' is often associated with newspapers or libraries. In Japanese, 循環 is rarely used for newspaper numbers (which use '発行部数' - hakkou busuu).
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Health and Medicine
- 血液の循環
- 循環器内科
- 循環を良くする
- 血行を促進する
Environmental Science
- 水の循環
- 資源の循環
- 循環型社会
- 炭素循環
Economics
- 資金の循環
- 景気循環
- 好循環
- 富の再分配
Home and HVAC
- 空気の循環
- サーキュレーター
- 換気する
- 循環ポンプ
Logic and Philosophy
- 循環論法
- 思考の循環
- 因果の循環
- 無限ループ
Gesprächseinstiege
"「健康のために血液の循環を良くする方法を知っていますか?」 (Do you know any ways to improve blood circulation for health?)"
"「最近、何か悪循環に陥っていると感じることはありますか?」 (Have you felt like you've fallen into a vicious cycle lately?)"
"「循環型社会を作るために、私たちは何をすべきだと思いますか?」 (What do you think we should do to create a circular society?)"
"「この町の循環バスはどこまで行きますか?」 (How far does the circular bus in this town go?)"
"「経済の好循環を生むには、賃上げが必要だと思いますか?」 (Do you think wage hikes are necessary to create a virtuous economic cycle?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
今日の自分の行動を振り返って、良い循環(好循環)になっていたことを書きましょう。 (Reflect on your actions today and write about something that became a virtuous cycle.)
「水の循環」について、知っていることを日本語で説明してください。 (Explain what you know about the 'water cycle' in Japanese.)
あなたが考える「理想的な循環型社会」はどのようなものですか? (What kind of 'ideal circular society' do you imagine?)
仕事や勉強で「悪循環」を感じたとき、どうやって抜け出しますか? (When you feel a 'vicious cycle' in work or study, how do you escape it?)
もしお金が社会を自由に循環しなくなったら、どうなると思いますか? (What do you think would happen if money stopped circulating freely in society?)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes and no. The fan itself '回転する' (spins), but its purpose is to '空気を循環させる' (make the air circulate). Use the former for the motion and the latter for the effect.
It is primarily intransitive (血液が循環する). To use it transitively, you usually use the causative form '循環させる' (空気を循環させる).
循環 is more formal and academic. サイクル is a common loanword used for lifestyle habits or fashion trends (e.g., ファッションのサイクル).
The term is '悪循環' (akujunkan). It is very common in Japanese to describe bad habits or economic downturns.
Yes, '循環バス' (junkan basu) is the standard term for a bus that travels in a loop.
Yes, '循環小数' (junkan shousuu) refers to a recurring or repeating decimal, like 0.333...
Yes, you can say '情報が循環している', but '拡散する' (kakusan suru - spread/diffuse) is more common for viral content.
It is a 'Sound Material-Cycle Society', which is the Japanese term for a society focused on recycling and sustainability.
Yes, '思考が循環している' implies you are stuck in a loop of thinking the same thing over and over.
The heart is '心臓' (shinzou), but the system it belongs to is '循環器系' (junkankikei - circulatory system).
Teste dich selbst 190 Fragen
Write: 'Blood circulates in the body.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Please circulate the air.'
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Write: 'It is a vicious cycle.'
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Write: 'Money circulates in the market.'
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Write: 'Aim for a circular society.'
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Write: 'A virtuous cycle is born.'
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Write: 'The logic is circular.'
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Write: 'The water cycle is important.'
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Write: 'I take the circular bus.'
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Write: 'Resources circulate.'
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Write: 'Predicted the economic cycle.'
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Write: 'Atmospheric circulation affects climate.'
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Write: 'The pump circulates water.'
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Write: 'Fell into a vicious cycle.'
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Write: 'Circular reference error.'
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Write: 'Researching material circulation.'
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Write: 'Air circulates well.'
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Write: 'Let's circulate funds.'
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Write: 'Virtuous cycle of wages.'
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Write: 'Disrupt the circulation of capital.'
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Say: 'Air circulates.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'Let's take the circular bus.'
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Say: 'It is a bad cycle.'
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Say: 'Is the blood circulating?'
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Say: 'The economy is in a cycle.'
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Say: 'Recycle resources.'
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Say: 'The logic is circular.'
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Say: 'Material circulation in the sea.'
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Say: 'Circulate the water.'
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Say: 'A virtuous cycle of money.'
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Say: 'Avoid circular references.'
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Say: 'Atmospheric circulation is complex.'
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Say: 'Exercise improves circulation.'
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Say: 'Escape the vicious cycle.'
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Say: 'The economic cycle is turning.'
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Say: 'The circulation of information is fast.'
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Say: 'Is this a circular bus?'
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Say: 'The water cycle of earth.'
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Say: 'Create a circular society.'
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Say: 'The circulation of capital.'
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Du hast gesagt:
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Listen to 'じゅんかんバス'. What is it?
Listen to 'くうきをじゅんかんさせる'. What is the action?
Listen to 'あくじゅんかん'. Is it positive or negative?
Listen to 'けいきじゅんかん'. What field is this?
Listen to 'じゅんかんきけい'. What body system is this?
Listen to 'けつえきがじゅんかんする'. What is moving?
Listen to 'こうじゅんかん'. Is it good or bad?
Listen to 'じゅんかんがたしゃかい'. What is the topic?
Listen to 'ろんりがじゅんかんしている'. What is wrong?
Listen to 'みずのじゅんかん'. What cycle is this?
Listen to 'しげんをじゅんかんさせる'. What are we circulating?
Listen to 'じゅんかんさんしょう'. What software is likely used?
Listen to 'たいきじゅんかん'. What science is this?
Listen to 'じゅんかんポンプ'. What is the object?
Listen to 'あくじゅんかんにおちいる'. What happened?
/ 190 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
循環する is the go-to verb for describing systems that flow in a loop, from the biological (blood) to the economic (capital). Remember that it implies a return to the start, making it essential for discussing sustainability and cycles. Example: 血液が循環する (Blood circulates).
- A formal verb meaning 'to circulate' or 'to cycle' in a systemic loop.
- Used for blood, air, money, and environmental resources like water.
- Commonly seen in terms like 'virtuous cycle' (好循環) and 'circular bus' (循環バス).
- Distinguished from simple spinning (回転) or patrolling (巡回) by its systemic focus.
Think Systems
Always use 循環する when you are describing a system where the input eventually becomes the output again, like water, money, or air.
Particle Choice
Use 'が' for the thing flowing (血液が) and 'を' for the area it flows through (体内を).
Opposites Attract
Learn '好循環' (virtuous) and '悪循環' (vicious) together; they are extremely common in adult Japanese conversation.
Kanji Tip
The kanji '環' (kan) is the same one in '環境' (environment). If you remember that the environment is a cycle, you'll never forget the kanji.
Beispiel
体内の血液は全身を循環している。
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr nature Wörter
~上
B1Das Wort 'ue' bedeutet 'auf' oder 'über'.
〜の上
A2Auf oder über etwas. Zum Beispiel: 'Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch' (Hon wa tsukue no ue ni arimasu).
豊か
B1Reichhaltig; üppig. Ein reiches Leben (Ein yutaka Leben).
〜に従って
B1Gemäß den Anweisungen wurde das Gerät installiert.
酸性雨
B1Saurer Regen ist Niederschlag, dessen pH-Wert durch Luftverschmutzung gesenkt wurde.
営み
B1Aktivität; tägliches Leben; Unternehmung (z. B. die Aktivitäten des Lebens).
順応する
B1Sich an eine neue Umgebung oder Situation anpassen.
~を背景に
B1Vor dem Hintergrund von; mit... als Hintergrund.
空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1Luftverschmutzung ist das Vorhandensein von Schadstoffen in der Luft. 'Die Luftverschmutzung in Großstädten hat in den letzten Jahren zugenommen.'