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?
Flight 101 has been canceled.
Loanword from English, common in travel contexts and compound words. Sounds slightly more casual/modern.
Formal term for air service or airmail. Used in official contexts or for cargo.
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'.
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.
The act of running away from danger or a situation.
Formal term for flight as escape, often used in news or legal contexts.
A continuous set of steps between floors or landings.
General word for stairs or staircase. 'A flight of stairs' is usually just 階段.
The loanword フライト only refers to air travel. For other meanings, use the appropriate Japanese word.
You don't say 'flight of stairs' as フライト.
フライトを予約しました。
I booked a flight.
Please check the flight time.
Please send it by airmail.
I observed the bird's flight.
The flight time is about two hours.
Nominalized form of the verb 'to fly'. More colloquial and descriptive.
Flight is a symbol of freedom.
A flight of birds was flying in the sky.
Specifically for a formation of aircraft or military planes.
A flight of fighter jets passed by.
The suspect is in flight.
Similar to 逃走, but often implies fleeing from authorities or a longer-term escape.
He took flight abroad.
Plain nominalized form of 'to escape', used in everyday speech.
Flight from danger is instinctive.
I climbed a long flight of stairs.
Explicitly means 'a flight of stairs' as a continuous section, but rarely needed.
This flight of stairs is steep.