Translation guide
How to talk about antennas in Japanese, from physical devices to insect feelers and figurative senses.
The device for sending or receiving radio waves.
The most common and general word for any kind of antenna, from TV aerials to radio antennas.
There is an antenna on the roof.
I adjust the TV antenna.
A technical term for antenna, used in engineering contexts. Not common in everyday speech.
This antenna has high sensitivity.
The paired sensory appendages on the head of an insect.
The standard biological term for insect antennae. Used in both scientific and everyday contexts.
Ants communicate with each other using their antennae.
The ability to sense or detect things intuitively, like having a 'sixth sense'.
Literally 'to put up an antenna', meaning to be on the lookout for information or to be sensitive to something. Very common in business and daily life.
He always has his antennae out for new business opportunities.
It's important to keep your antennae tuned to trends.
Literally 'antenna is high', meaning someone is very perceptive or has a keen sense for something.
Use アンテナ for man-made devices and figurative senses. Use 触角 only for insect or animal feelers. Using アンテナ for insect antennae is possible but less precise.
bug's antenna (colloquial, but 触角 is better)
This beetle's antennae are very long.
She has a keen sense for fashion.