Translation guide
The English word 'aircraft' refers to any vehicle capable of flight. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 航空機, but more specific terms like 飛行機 (airplane) or ヘリコプター (helicopter) are often used depending on context. This guide helps learners choose the right word for different situations.
To refer to aircraft in a broad, technical, or formal sense, including airplanes, helicopters, gliders, etc.
The standard, formal term for any type of aircraft. Used in news, official documents, and technical contexts.
Many aircraft take off and land at this airport.
Commonly means 'airplane,' but often used informally to refer to aircraft in general, especially fixed-wing planes. Not suitable for helicopters or other non-airplane aircraft.
While 飛行機 can sometimes be used broadly, it primarily means 'airplane.' Use 航空機 for a more accurate general term.
Refers to the body or airframe of an aircraft. Used in technical or aviation contexts, not as a general term for aircraft.
To refer to a particular kind of aircraft, such as an airplane, helicopter, or glider.
The most common word for 'airplane.' Use this for fixed-wing aircraft in everyday conversation.
That airplane is really big, isn't it?
The standard word for 'helicopter.' Used in all contexts.
Means 'glider.' Used for engineless aircraft.
Means 'military aircraft.' Used specifically for planes or helicopters used by the military.
Means 'passenger aircraft' or 'airliner.' Used for commercial planes carrying passengers.
To talk about aircraft in a general, abstract way, such as in discussions about aviation or the industry.
航空機 is a formal, all-encompassing term for any aircraft, including airplanes, helicopters, gliders, and drones. 飛行機 specifically means 'airplane' and is used in daily conversation. In casual speech, 飛行機 may be used loosely for aircraft, but it's not technically correct for non-airplane types.
Aircraft include airplanes and helicopters.
While 飛行機 is often used as a general term for aircraft in casual contexts, it specifically means 'airplane.' Using it for a helicopter can cause confusion. Use ヘリコプター for helicopters and 航空機 for a general term when including non-airplane types.
I saw a strange aircraft in the sky.
Casual; 飛行機 is used because it likely looked like an airplane.
航空機の設計には高度な技術が必要です。
Designing aircraft requires advanced technology.
I'll go from Tokyo to Osaka by plane.
The aircraft's fuselage was severely damaged in the accident.
The rescue team arrived by helicopter.
I rode a glider on the weekend.
その基地には多くの軍用機が配備されている。
Many military aircraft are deployed at that base.
新しい旅客機が就航した。
A new passenger aircraft has entered service.
Japan's aircraft industry is growing.