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.
アホウドリは翼を広げると3メートル以上になる。
An albatross has a wingspan of over 3 meters.
Ateji (kanji used phonetically) for albatross, rarely used. Literally 'faith heaven old man'.
信天翁は南極海に生息する。
The albatross inhabits the Antarctic Ocean.
Means 'heavy burden' or 'load', used metaphorically for something that causes worry or difficulty.
その借金は彼にとって重荷だった。
That debt was an albatross around his neck.
Literally 'shackles' or 'fetters', used figuratively for something that restricts freedom or progress.
過去の失敗が彼の足かせになっている。
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.
彼にとって上司は目の上のたんこぶだ。
His boss is an albatross around his neck.
Means 'burden' or 'dead weight', often used for a person who is a liability.
彼はチームのお荷物だ。
He's an albatross for the team.