Translation guide
The English word 'ballast' refers to heavy material used to stabilize a ship, aircraft, or vehicle, or metaphorically to something that provides stability. This guide covers the main Japanese equivalents for both literal and figurative uses.
ballast (literal)
Most common term for ships, aircraft, railways.
ballast (figurative)
For emotional or psychological stability.
To refer to heavy material placed in a ship, aircraft, or vehicle to improve stability or control.
The most common and direct loanword for 'ballast' in technical and everyday contexts, especially for ships and aircraft.
The ship carried ballast to maintain stability.
A native Japanese term literally meaning 'bottom cargo', used for ballast in ships. Less common than バラスト but still understood.
They used gravel as ballast.
Specifically 'ballast water', used in maritime contexts.
Discharge of ballast water has become an environmental issue.
To describe a person, idea, or thing that gives emotional, mental, or structural stability.
Literally 'stabilizer', used metaphorically for something that provides emotional or psychological stability.
His presence is a ballast for my mind.
Means 'support' or 'prop', often used for emotional or moral support that keeps someone steady.
Literally a 'weight' used to hold something down; metaphorically, something that provides stability or prevents excess.
To refer to the crushed stone used as a bed for railway tracks.
Directly translating 'ballast' as バラスト in a figurative sense (e.g., 'He is my ballast') sounds unnatural. Use 安定剤 or 支え instead.
He is my ballast. (unnatural)
He is my stabilizer / ballast. (natural)
家族が私の人生の支えだ。
My family is the ballast of my life.
彼の意見が議論の重しになった。
His opinion served as a ballast in the discussion.
道床のメンテナンスが必要だ。
The track bed needs maintenance.