Translation guide
The English word "bearing" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: physical posture/demeanor, directional orientation, relevance/connection, and mechanical parts. Each meaning requires different Japanese expressions.
The way someone carries themselves, their physical stance or overall manner.
General word for attitude or demeanor, often used for someone's bearing or manner.
彼の態度は堂々としていた。
He had a dignified bearing.
Refers specifically to one's manner or bearing, often implying politeness and grace.
彼女の物腰はとても上品だ。
She has a very refined bearing.
Focuses on physical movement and carriage; how one moves their body.
ダンサーの身のこなしは美しい。
The dancer's bearing is beautiful.
Literally 'posture', but can extend to one's mental attitude or stance. More physical than '態度'.
彼の姿勢から自信が感じられる。
You can sense confidence from his bearing.
The direction or position of something relative to a reference point, often used in navigation.
Compass direction; used when asking or stating which way something is.
この方角に進んでください。
Please proceed in this bearing.
Direction or bearing, often used in technical or navigational contexts.
General word for direction; can be used for bearing but is broader.
Pattern meaning 'in the direction of ~'. Use with a compass point or landmark.
北の方向に山が見える。
You can see a mountain on a northerly bearing.
Having a relation or connection to something; often used in phrases like 'have a bearing on'.
Standard way to say 'have a bearing on' or 'be related to'.
この事実は事件に関係がある。
This fact has a bearing on the case.
Means 'to have an influence on', often used when bearing implies impact.
彼の意見は決定に影響を与えた。
His opinion had a bearing on the decision.
Means 'is related to' or 'is connected with', slightly more formal.
その問題は我々の議論に関連している。
That issue has a bearing on our discussion.
A machine part that supports and reduces friction between moving parts, like a ball bearing.
Loanword from English, commonly used for mechanical bearings.
この機械にはベアリングが必要だ。
This machine needs a bearing.
Native Japanese term for bearing, literally 'axle receiver'. Used in technical contexts.
The English word 'bearing' covers many concepts that have distinct Japanese words. Using a single Japanese word for all meanings will cause confusion. Always identify the intended meaning first.
態度 (taido) is general attitude/demeanor. 物腰 (monogoshi) emphasizes polite, graceful manner. 姿勢 (shisei) is more about physical posture but can be metaphorical. For 'bearing' as in how someone carries themselves, 態度 is the safest choice.
彼女は自信に満ちた態度で歩いていた。
She walked with a confident bearing.
船は一定の方位を保った。
The ship maintained a steady bearing.
彼の過去の行動はこの事件に関係がない。
His past actions have no bearing on this case.
Check the ship's bearing.
風の方向が変わった。
The wind changed its bearing.
軸受の交換をしなければならない。
We have to replace the bearing.