Translation guide
The English word 'catapult' can refer to a historical siege weapon, a modern device for launching aircraft, or the action of throwing something forcefully. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
A large ancient military machine for hurling stones or other projectiles.
General term for a stone-throwing siege engine, including catapults, trebuchets, and ballistae. Most common in historical contexts.
Catapults were used in medieval castle sieges.
Loanword from English. Often used in games, fantasy, or when specifically referring to the Western-style catapult with a tension mechanism.
In that game, you can attack the enemy castle with a catapult.
Specifically a ballista or large crossbow-like catapult that shoots bolts. More technical/historical term.
The Roman army used ballistae in siege warfare.
A mechanism on an aircraft carrier or launch pad that propels aircraft into the air.
To hurl something or someone through the air with great force, often suddenly.
To fling or hurl something. Casual and vivid. Often used for throwing objects or people forcefully.
He angrily catapulted the book into the corner of the room.
To throw someone or something so hard they fly through the air. Often used in fights or action scenes.
To eject or launch mechanically. Formal/technical, used for missiles, ejection seats, etc.
To burst out or spring forward with momentum. Used for sudden, forceful movement of a person or thing.
To cause someone to be thrust into a new role, fame, or condition abruptly.
To suddenly become (famous, a star, etc.). '一躍' means 'in one leap'. Common for sudden rise to fame.
That movie catapulted her to fame.
To push someone up to a position/status. Often used for career or social standing.
To suddenly fall into a negative state (chaos, crisis, etc.). Used when catapulted into a bad situation.
When describing a person or animal suddenly springing forward, do not use 投石機 or カタパルト. Instead, use phrases like 勢いよく飛び出す or 飛びかかる.
The dog catapulted off the sofa.
This aircraft carrier is equipped with a steam catapult.
The wrestler catapulted his opponent out of the ring.
The pilot was catapulted from the seat in an emergency.
The cat catapulted out of the box.
The hit song catapulted him to stardom.
The announcement catapulted the market into chaos.