Translation guide
The English word 'crew' can refer to a group working together, especially on a ship, plane, or film set, or informally to a close group of friends. Japanese has different words depending on the context.
Referring to the team operating a vehicle or vessel
Standard term for crew members of a ship, aircraft, or spacecraft. Neutral and widely understood.
船の乗組員は全員無事だった。
All the ship's crew were safe.
その飛行機の乗組員は10人です。
The aircraft's crew consists of ten people.
Loanword from English, commonly used in modern contexts like airlines, space missions, and film production. Sounds slightly more casual or international.
航空会社のクルーとして働いています。
I work as an airline crew member.
Specifically refers to sailors or seamen on a ship. More nautical than general 'crew'.
彼は若い頃、船員だった。
He was a sailor when he was young.
Referring to the technical and support staff behind a production
The most common term for production crew in film, TV, and events. Covers everyone except the main cast.
映画のスタッフとして働くのは大変だ。
Working as a film crew member is tough.
スタッフ全員で打ち上げをした。
The whole crew had a wrap party.
Also used in film/TV contexts, often interchangeable with スタッフ, but may sound slightly more technical or international.
Refers to the production team, often including producers and directors. More formal and less common for general crew.
この番組は優秀な制作陣に支えられている。
This program is supported by an excellent production crew.
Referring to one's close circle of friends, often in casual speech
Means close friends, companions, or buddies. Warm and inclusive, used for groups with shared activities or bonds.
週末はいつもの仲間と集まる。
On weekends I hang out with my usual crew.
彼は高校時代の仲間だ。
He's part of my crew from high school.
Casual, sometimes slightly rough term for a group of people. Can be used for 'crew' but may sound dismissive depending on context.
Can sound derogatory or rough; use with care.
General loanword for 'group'. Not as warm as 仲間, but can be used for a crew of friends.
Referring to a team in rowing or similar sports
Standard term in rowing contexts. Used for the team and the boat.
大学のクルーに入った。
I joined the university crew team.
Formal term for a rowing team. Less common in everyday speech.
彼は漕艇チームのキャプテンだ。
He is the captain of the rowing crew.
クルー is a flexible loanword used for crews in aviation, space, film, and rowing. スタッフ is the default for film/TV/event production crews. 乗組員 is the standard for ship/aircraft/spacecraft crews and sounds more formal. For a group of friends, use 仲間, not クルー.
映画のスタッフは100人以上いる。
The film crew has over 100 people.
船の乗組員は全員男性だった。
The ship's crew were all men.
Although 'crew' can mean a group of friends in English, クルー in Japanese does not carry that meaning naturally. Use 仲間 or グループ instead.
The filming crew started preparations early in the morning.
I don't hang out with that crew anymore.
私たちのグループはいつも一緒に旅行する。
Our crew always travels together.