渦

• Reading: うず
• Romaji: uzu
• Kanji breakdown: 渦 (uzu/ka) — whirlpool, vortex, swirl
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.z̩ɯ/

Meaning

Whirlpool; swirl; vortex. A spinning circular movement in water or air.

A noun referring to spiral or circular movements, both literal and figurative. Literally describes whirlpools (渦潮, uzushio) and spiral patterns. Figuratively used in expressions like 混乱の渦 (vortex of confusion) and 感情の渦 (swirl of emotions). The famous Naruto whirlpools in Tokushima are a well-known example.

Examples

1. 川の水が渦を巻いていた。 The river water was swirling in a whirlpool.
2. 情報の渦に巻き込まれた。 I got caught up in a whirlwind of information.
3. 鳴門海峡の渦潮は観光名所だ。 The whirlpools in the Naruto Strait are a famous tourist attraction.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, figurative expression, literature

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 渦 combines 氵 (water radical) and 咼 (a phonetic element suggesting curvature). Originally depicted a circular current in water.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal