Translation guide
The English word "flight" covers several distinct meanings: traveling by air, the act of flying, a group of birds or aircraft, fleeing from danger, and a series of stairs. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each situation.
Referring to a scheduled trip on an airplane, such as booking a flight or taking a flight.
Used for scheduled flights, like Flight 101 or the next flight to Tokyo. Often combined with a number or destination.
What time is the next flight to Tokyo?
101便は欠航になりました。
Flight 101 has been canceled.
Loanword from English, common in travel contexts and compound words. Sounds slightly more casual/modern.
フライトを予約しました。
I booked a flight.
フライトの時間を確認してください。
Please check the flight time.
Formal term for air service or airmail. Used in official contexts or for cargo.
航空便で送ってください。
Please send it by airmail.
Describing the motion of flying, like a bird or plane in the air.
General term for flight as an action or process. Used in compounds like 'flight time'.
鳥の飛行を観察した。
I observed the bird's flight.
飛行時間は約2時間です。
The flight time is about two hours.
Nominalized form of the verb 'to fly'. More colloquial and descriptive.
飛ぶことは自由の象徴だ。
Flight is a symbol of freedom.
A flock of birds flying together or a formation of aircraft.
General word for a group of animals, including a flight of birds. Not specific to flight.
鳥の群れが空を飛んでいた。
A flight of birds was flying in the sky.
Specifically for a formation of aircraft or military planes.
The act of running away from danger or a situation.
Formal term for flight as escape, often used in news or legal contexts.
犯人は逃走中です。
The suspect is in flight.
Similar to 逃走, but often implies fleeing from authorities or a longer-term escape.
Plain nominalized form of 'to escape', used in everyday speech.
危険からの逃げることは本能だ。
Flight from danger is instinctive.
A continuous set of steps between floors or landings.
General word for stairs or staircase. 'A flight of stairs' is usually just 階段.
長い階段を上った。
I climbed a long flight of stairs.
Explicitly means 'a flight of stairs' as a continuous section, but rarely needed.
この階段のひと続きは急だ。
This flight of stairs is steep.
The loanword フライト only refers to air travel. For other meanings, use the appropriate Japanese word.
階段をフライトするとは言わない。
You don't say 'flight of stairs' as フライト.
戦闘機の編隊が通過した。
A flight of fighter jets passed by.
彼は国外に逃亡した。
He took flight abroad.