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.
The paired sensory appendages on the head of an insect.
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.
彼は常に新しいビジネスチャンスにアンテナを張っている。
He always has his antennae out for new business opportunities.
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.
虫のアンテナ
bug's antenna (colloquial, but 触角 is better)
屋根の上にアンテナが立っている。
There is an antenna on the roof.
テレビのアンテナを調整する。
I adjust the TV antenna.
A technical term for antenna, used in engineering contexts. Not common in everyday speech.
この空中線は高感度です。
This antenna has high sensitivity.
The standard biological term for insect antennae. Used in both scientific and everyday contexts.
アリは触角で仲間とコミュニケーションをとる。
Ants communicate with each other using their antennae.
このカブトムシの触角はとても長い。
This beetle's antennae are very long.
流行にアンテナを張っておくことが大切だ。
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.
彼女はファッションに関してアンテナが高い。
She has a keen sense for fashion.