Translation guide
A non-rigid airship, often used for advertising or observation. In Japanese, the most common term is 飛行船, but specific types like 軟式飛行船 or the brand name ツェッペリン may be used.
Referring to a blimp as a type of airship, typically non-rigid, used for advertising, broadcasting, or sightseeing.
The general term for any airship, including blimps. Widely understood and used in news and everyday conversation.
空に飛行船が浮かんでいる。
A blimp is floating in the sky.
その飛行船は広告を表示していた。
The blimp was displaying an advertisement.
Technically 'non-rigid airship,' the precise term for a blimp. Used in technical or aviation contexts.
軟式飛行船は内部のガス圧で形状を保つ。
A blimp maintains its shape through internal gas pressure.
Refers specifically to Zeppelins, which are rigid airships, but sometimes used loosely for any large airship. Not technically a blimp, but may be encountered.
ツェッペリン飛行船が日本に来た。
A Zeppelin airship came to Japan.
Specifically a blimp used for aerial advertising or promotional purposes.
Literally 'advertising airship.' Commonly used to describe blimps with banners or screens for ads.
広告用飛行船がスタジアムの上を飛んでいた。
An advertising blimp was flying over the stadium.
From 'ad balloon,' often used for tethered advertising balloons, but can refer to small blimp-like objects. Not a true blimp, but contextually similar.
店の前にアドバルーンが浮かんでいた。
An advertising balloon was floating in front of the store.
A blimp used for aerial observation, surveillance, or military purposes.
Literally 'reconnaissance airship.' Used for military or surveillance blimps.
偵察用飛行船が国境を監視している。
A surveillance blimp is monitoring the border.
In English, 'blimp' specifically means a non-rigid airship. In Japanese, 飛行船 covers all airships. If you need to be precise, use 軟式飛行船 (non-rigid) vs 硬式飛行船 (rigid).
Blimps are not as common in Japan as in some Western countries. The most familiar example might be the Goodyear blimp, often referred to as グッドイヤーの飛行船.
見て、飛行船だ！
Look, a blimp!
飛行船が街の上空に浮かんでいた。
The blimp was hovering over the city.