Translation guide
The English word "fleet" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: a group of ships, a group of vehicles, and the adjective meaning fast or swift. Less common or specialized meanings are omitted.
Referring to a group of warships or a nation's navy.
Standard term for a naval fleet, especially military.
The fleet was sailing across the Pacific.
Refers to a convoy or group of ships traveling together, often for protection or commercial purposes.
The fishing fleet left the harbor.
A less common term for a group of ships; can be used in some contexts but 艦隊 or 船団 are preferred.
The merchant fleet entered the port.
Referring to a group of vehicles owned or operated by a company or organization.
Describing something that moves quickly or is nimble.
The most common word for 'fast' or 'quick'. Can be used for people, animals, vehicles, etc.
He is fleet of foot.
Implies quickness and agility, often used for movements or reactions.
A more formal or literary term for nimble or agile. Often used in written descriptions.
The dancer showed fleet movements.
The adjective 'fleet' meaning fast is rare in modern English and often replaced by 'fleeting' which means passing quickly or transient. In Japanese, 'fleeting' is translated as 儚い (はかない) or 束の間の (つかのまの), not 速い.
艦隊 (かんたい) is specifically for warships or naval forces, while 船団 (せんだん) is for any group of ships, including commercial or fishing vessels. Use 艦隊 for military contexts and 船団 for civilian convoys.
Our company's fleet is all electric vehicles.
The airline operates a fleet of the latest aircraft.
猫は素早い動きで逃げた。
The cat escaped with a fleet movement.