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.
中世の城攻めでは投石機が使われた。
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.
そのゲームではカタパルトで敵の城を攻撃できる。
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.
ローマ軍は弩砲を攻城戦で使用した。
The Roman army used ballistae in siege warfare.
A mechanism on an aircraft carrier or launch pad that propels aircraft into the air.
Standard term for aircraft catapults. Used in both military and space contexts.
戦闘機が空母のカタパルトから発艦した。
The fighter jet launched from the aircraft carrier's catapult.
Literally 'launching machine'. A more technical Japanese term, sometimes used in engineering contexts.
この空母には蒸気式射出機が搭載されている。
This aircraft carrier is equipped with a steam catapult.
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.
彼は怒って本を部屋の隅に放り投げた。
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.
パイロットは緊急時に座席から射出された。
The pilot was catapulted from the seat in an emergency.
To burst out or spring forward with momentum. Used for sudden, forceful movement of a person or thing.
猫が箱から勢いよく飛び出した。
The cat catapulted out of the box.
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.
その映画で彼女は一躍有名になった。
That movie catapulted her to fame.
To push someone up to a position/status. Often used for career or social standing.
そのヒット曲が彼をスターの座に押し上げた。
The hit song catapulted him to stardom.
To suddenly fall into a negative state (chaos, crisis, etc.). Used when catapulted into a bad situation.
その発表で市場は突然混乱に陥った。
The announcement catapulted the market into chaos.
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.
犬がソファから勢いよく飛び出した。
The dog catapulted off the sofa.
レスラーが相手をリングの外に投げ飛ばした。
The wrestler catapulted his opponent out of the ring.