Translation guide
The English word "albatross" primarily refers to a large seabird. In Japanese, the bird is called アホウドリ, but the word has additional metaphorical meanings in English (a burden or an obstacle) that do not directly translate. This guide covers how to express both the literal bird and the figurative sense in Japanese.
Referring to the large seabird of the family Diomedeidae.
The standard Japanese word for albatross. Literally means 'fool bird' due to its clumsy behavior on land.
Expressing the idea of something that hinders or weighs one down, like the metaphorical 'albatross around one's neck' from Coleridge's poem.
The debt became an albatross around his neck. · Her past mistakes were an albatross she couldn't shake off.
Do not use アホウドリ to express the figurative meaning of 'albatross' as a burden. It will not be understood. Use the Japanese expressions for burden or obstacle instead.
An albatross has a wingspan of over 3 meters.
Ateji (kanji used phonetically) for albatross, rarely used. Literally 'faith heaven old man'.
The albatross inhabits the Antarctic Ocean.
Means 'heavy burden' or 'load', used metaphorically for something that causes worry or difficulty.
That debt was an albatross around his neck.
Literally 'shackles' or 'fetters', used figuratively for something that restricts freedom or progress.
His past failures are an albatross holding him back.
Idiom meaning 'a nuisance or obstacle in one's way', literally 'a bump above the eye'. Used for someone or something that is a constant irritation or hindrance.
His boss is an albatross around his neck.
Means 'burden' or 'dead weight', often used for a person who is a liability.
He's an albatross for the team.