Translation guide
The operation and industry of aircraft. In Japanese, the most common term is 航空 (こうくう), used broadly for aviation-related contexts. 飛行 (ひこう) refers more to the act of flying. For the aviation industry specifically, 航空業界 (こうくうぎょうかい) or 航空産業 (こうくうさんぎょう) are used.
aviation (general)
aviation industry
Referring to aviation as a concept, industry, or field involving aircraft.
The standard term for 'aviation' in most contexts: aviation industry, aviation authority, aviation fuel, etc. It is a compound meaning 'navigate the sky'.
The aviation industry has strict safety standards.
Refers to the act of flying or flight. Used in contexts like 'aviation' as a skill or activity, but less common for the industry as a whole.
Using 飛行 alone for 'aviation industry' sounds unnatural; use 航空 instead.
Specifically 'the aviation industry' or 'aviation sector'.
Another term for 'aviation industry', slightly more formal or economic in tone.
Referring to non-military, passenger or cargo air transport.
Standard term for 'civil aviation', as opposed to military.
Civil aviation safety regulations have been strengthened.
Aviation in a military context.
Direct term for 'military aviation'.
I am researching the history of military aviation.
航空 (こうくう) is the broader term for 'aviation' as a field, industry, or system. 飛行 (ひこう) means 'flight' or 'flying' and is used for the physical act. For example, 航空会社 (airline) vs 飛行時間 (flight time).
彼は航空工学を専攻している。
He is majoring in aviation engineering.
飛行機の飛行原理を学ぶ。
Learn the principles of aviation (flight).
The aviation industry was greatly affected by the pandemic.
The growth of the aviation industry is remarkable.