Translation guide
The path of a celestial body or satellite around another, or the area of influence. In Japanese, different words are used for astronomical orbits, eye sockets, and figurative spheres of influence.
The curved path of a planet, moon, or satellite around a star or planet.
The standard term for an orbit in astronomy and spaceflight. Used for both natural and artificial satellites.
The Earth revolves around the sun in an orbit.
To put a satellite into orbit.
Specifically refers to a circular or elliptical orbit around a body. Often used in technical contexts.
The probe entered orbit around Mars.
Refers to the path or trajectory of a celestial body, but more literary and less common for standard 'orbit'. Often used for the path of comets or in poetic descriptions.
The comet's orbit shone in the night sky.
The bony cavity containing the eyeball.
Medical/anatomical term for the eye socket. Used in formal or clinical contexts.
The fracture extended to the left orbit.
Everyday phrase meaning 'eye socket' or 'eye hollow'. Less technical, used in casual descriptions.
He has deep-set eyes (literally: deep eye sockets).
A range of influence, activity, or interest, often used figuratively.
Can be used figuratively for a course of action or life path, similar to 'orbit' in English.
He got into the orbit of the political world.
Sphere of influence, often political or economic. More direct than 軌道 for 'orbit' in the sense of domain.
General word for 'range' or 'scope'. Can be used for 'orbit' in the sense of one's sphere of activity, but less specific.
軌道 (きどう) is the standard term for a planned or regular orbit, like that of a planet or satellite. 軌跡 (きせき) emphasizes the actual path traced, often used for comets or in metaphorical senses (e.g., the trajectory of one's life).
In English, 'orbit' can mean the eye socket, but 軌道 (きどう) is never used for this. Use 眼窩 (がんか) in medical contexts or 目のくぼみ (めのくぼみ) casually.
The country fell into the orbit of the great power.
His orbit of activity is wide.