Translation guide
The English word 'pilot' has several distinct meanings. The most common is a person who flies an aircraft. It can also refer to a TV show trial episode, a harbor guide, or a small flame in a gas appliance. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
A person who controls an aircraft.
The most common and general term for a pilot of any aircraft. Used in everyday conversation and media.
He wants to become a pilot.
Pilot training is tough.
A formal or technical term for a pilot, often used in official contexts like licenses or job titles. Literally 'control operator'.
He is a commercial airline pilot.
Specifically the captain or pilot-in-command of an aircraft. Used for the senior pilot on a flight.
The captain made an announcement.
A trial episode of a television series.
A person who guides ships into or out of a harbor.
The standard term for a maritime pilot. Often shortened to '水先人' (みずさきにん) in some contexts.
The harbor pilot guided the ship into port.
Also used for a maritime pilot, especially in international contexts. Context usually makes the meaning clear.
A small flame that ignites a gas appliance.
飛行士 (ひこうし) is a more formal or literary term for 'aviator' or 'flyer', not commonly used for a professional pilot. Stick to パイロット or 操縦士 for aircraft pilots.
The pilot episode received high ratings.
The pilot boarded the ship.