Translation guide
Echolocation is a biological sonar used by animals like bats and dolphins to navigate and find prey by emitting sounds and listening for echoes. In Japanese, the concept is expressed with specific technical terms, and the verb forms differ depending on whether the subject is an animal or a human-made device.
The natural ability of certain animals to locate objects by emitting sounds and interpreting the returning echoes.
This is the standard technical term for echolocation in biology and zoology. It literally means 'echo location'.
Bats use echolocation to find prey in the dark.
Dolphin echolocation is extremely precise.
The loanword from English, commonly used in scientific contexts and understandable to most Japanese speakers. It is slightly less formal than 反響定位.
Echolocation is an ability used by bats and dolphins.
Literally 'sound wave detection', this term is sometimes used in broader contexts but is less specific to biological echolocation. It may refer to sonar technology as well.
I am researching the mechanism of sound wave detection.
The use of sound waves by humans in devices like sonar to detect objects underwater or in the air.
This term specifically refers to echo sounding, a type of sonar used to measure water depth. It is the closest equivalent for human-made echolocation in marine contexts.
Ships survey the seabed topography using echo sounding.
The loanword 'sonar' is widely used in Japanese for both the technology and the concept. It is more general than 音響測深 and can refer to any sound-based detection system.
Both mean echolocation, but 反響定位 is the native Japanese technical term preferred in academic writing, while エコーロケーション is a loanword more common in general science communication. Use 反響定位 for formal reports and エコーロケーション in casual or educational settings.
To say 'use echolocation', use 使う (つかう) or 用いる (もちいる) with the noun. For example: 反響定位を使う (use echolocation). There is no single verb meaning 'to echolocate' in Japanese; you must use a phrase.
潜水艦はソナーを使って敵を探知する。
Submarines use sonar to detect enemies.
Although primarily a biological term, 反響定位 can also be applied to human-made systems that mimic animal echolocation, such as some assistive devices for the blind.
Echolocation devices for the visually impaired are being developed.