Translation guide
A hydrofoil is a wing-like structure attached to a boat that lifts the hull out of the water at speed, or a boat equipped with such foils. This guide covers how to refer to the technology and the vessel in Japanese.
Referring to a boat or ship that uses hydrofoils to lift its hull above the water.
Standard technical term for a hydrofoil vessel. Literally 'underwater wing ship'. Used in formal and technical contexts.
水中翼船は波が高いと運休になることがあります。
Hydrofoil services may be suspended when waves are high.
Loanword from English. Often used in product names or casual contexts, but less common than the native term.
このハイドロフォイルは最高時速80キロです。
This hydrofoil has a top speed of 80 km/h.
Alternative term, less common than 水中翼船. 艇 implies a smaller craft.
小型の水中翼艇が開発された。
A small hydrofoil craft was developed.
Referring to the physical wing-like appendage that provides lift.
Literally 'underwater wing'. The standard term for the foil structure.
この船の水中翼はカーボンファイバー製です。
This boat's hydrofoils are made of carbon fiber.
Same loanword as for the vessel, but context distinguishes the meaning. Often used in sports equipment like hydrofoil surfboards.
ハイドロフォイルの形状が揚力を生み出す。
The shape of the hydrofoil generates lift.
In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers might simply use the specific service name (e.g., ジェットフォイル for Jetfoil) or describe it as 速い船 (fast boat) rather than using the technical term.