How to say "rotate" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

回るまわるJLPT N4approx.Common
godan verb, intransitive verbCovers the intransitive sense of 'rotate': something turns, revolves, or spins by itself, as when a wheel, fan, or planet rotates. Choose this when the subject rotates on its own.
踊り手おどりてはつま先さき立たってぐるぐると回まわった。↗
The dancer spun on his toes.
回すまわすJLPT N3approx.Common
godan verb, transitive verbCovers the transitive sense of 'rotate': someone turns, spins, or twists something else, such as a handle or dial. This is not the word for something rotating on its own; use it when an agent rotates an object.
いや、それじゃだめだ。逆ぎゃくになるようにまわしてごらん。↗
No, that's not the right way. You have to turn it the other way round.

Use 「回る」 for rotating on its own (intransitive: something turns or spins by itself) and 「回す」 for rotating something else (transitive: you turn or spin an object).

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

回るまわるto turn
回すまわすto turn
巡らすめぐらすto turn (one's head, heel, etc.)

Say it right, write it right