Translation guide
A pigeon trained to carry messages. In Japanese, the most common term is 伝書鳩 (denshobato), literally 'message-carrying pigeon'. This entry covers how to refer to the bird itself, the concept, and related expressions.
Referring to the actual pigeon used for carrying messages.
Standard term for a carrier pigeon. Used in both everyday and technical contexts.
伝書鳩は遠くまで手紙を運べます。
Carrier pigeons can carry letters over long distances.
Variant spelling using katakana for バト. Common in informal writing or when emphasizing the animal aspect.
公園で伝書バトを見かけました。
I saw a carrier pigeon in the park.
Literally 'military pigeon'. Used specifically for pigeons used in wartime communication.
軍用鳩は戦時中に重要な役割を果たしました。
Military pigeons played an important role during wartime.
Referring to the system or practice of using pigeons to send messages.
Means 'communication by carrier pigeon'. A natural way to describe the method.
伝書鳩による通信は古代から使われてきました。
Communication by carrier pigeon has been used since ancient times.
Literally 'pigeon mail'. A concise term for the pigeon post system, often used in historical contexts.
鳩便は信頼性の高い通信手段でした。
Pigeon post was a highly reliable means of communication.
Metaphorically referring to a person who reliably delivers messages, like a carrier pigeon.
Use this phrase to describe someone acting as a messenger. It's a simile: 'like a carrier pigeon'.
彼は会社で伝書鳩のような役割をしている。
He acts like a carrier pigeon at the company, relaying messages between departments.
Loanword from English. Commonly used for a person who delivers messages, especially in business contexts.
彼はただのメッセンジャーじゃない、重要な交渉役だ。
He's not just a messenger; he's a key negotiator.
普通の鳩 (futsū no hato) means 'ordinary pigeon'. Only use 伝書鳩 when specifically referring to the messenger variety.