Translation guide
The soft, light structures covering a bird's body. In Japanese, the word depends on context: body feathers, down, plumage, or a single feather.
Referring to the feathers on a bird's body as a whole, or the material.
The most common word for feathers, wings, or plumage. Can refer to a single feather or collectively.
Bird feathers are very soft.
枕には羽が入っている。
The pillow is filled with feathers.
Specifically refers to down feathers or plumage, often used for soft, fluffy feathers like those in jackets or bedding.
このジャケットは羽毛でできている。
This jacket is made of down feathers.
Often used for a single feather, especially when detached, or for shuttlecocks. Can be interchangeable with 羽.
道に白い羽根が落ちていた。
A white feather was lying on the road.
Describing the overall feather covering of a bird, often in terms of color or beauty.
Used for plumage in a descriptive or scientific sense.
その鳥は美しい羽毛を持っている。
That bird has beautiful plumage.
Literally 'feather color', used to describe the color of a bird's plumage.
この鳥の羽色はとても鮮やかだ。
This bird's feather color is very vivid.
Referring to one feather that has fallen out or is used as an object.
Commonly used for a single feather, especially when found or used in crafts.
彼は羽根を拾った。
He picked up a feather.
Can also mean a single feather, but is more general.
羽が一枚落ちている。
A single feather has fallen.
Referring to feathers used as stuffing or material.
羽 (はね) is the general term for feathers and wings. 羽毛 (うもう) specifically means down or soft body feathers, often used for insulation. 羽根 (はね) often refers to a single detached feather or a shuttlecock. In many contexts, 羽 and 羽根 are interchangeable, but 羽毛 is distinct.