Translation guide
The English word 'flying' can refer to the act of traveling through the air (by bird, plane, etc.), something that is currently in the air, or a quick, hurried movement. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings.
Describing the action of moving through the air, as a bird, plane, or person in an aircraft.
The most common verb for 'to fly'. Used for birds, planes, insects, etc. Intransitive.
鳥が空を飛んでいる。
A bird is flying in the sky.
The airplane flies.
More formal or technical term for 'to fly', often used for aircraft or space travel.
The plane flies from Tokyo to Osaka.
Literally 'fly in the sky', emphasizes the location. Common in descriptions.
He dreamed of flying in the sky.
Referring to the act of traveling as a passenger on an airplane.
The most natural way to say 'go by plane' or 'fly to a place'. Use this instead of a direct translation of 'fly' when you are a passenger.
I'm flying to Tokyo next week.
Means 'go by air route'. Formal, used in written contexts or travel itineraries.
The party flew to Paris.
Describing something that is flying right now, or the state of being airborne.
Describing something that moves very fast, as if flying. Often used figuratively.
Referring to the act of controlling an aircraft as a pilot.
The English loanword フライング (furaingu) is used in Japanese almost exclusively in the phrase フライングスタート (flying start) or to mean 'false start' in races. It does not mean 'flying' in the general sense.
He made a false start.
There was contact from the flying aircraft.
My hobby is flying planes on weekends.