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.
彼はパイロットになりたい。
He wants to become a pilot.
パイロットの訓練は厳しい。
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'.
彼は民間航空機の操縦士だ。
He is a commercial airline pilot.
Specifically the captain or pilot-in-command of an aircraft. Used for the senior pilot on a flight.
機長がアナウンスをした。
The captain made an announcement.
A trial episode of a television series.
The standard term for a pilot episode. '版' means 'version' or 'edition'.
そのドラマのパイロット版を見た。
I watched the pilot episode of that drama.
Literally 'trial production version'. Can be used for a pilot episode, but is more general for any prototype.
試作版の評価が高かった。
The pilot episode received high ratings.
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.
水先案内人が船を港に導いた。
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.
The common term for a pilot light in a gas stove, water heater, etc. Literally 'seed fire'.
種火が消えた。
The pilot light went out.
A loanword from English, used in technical manuals or by professionals.
パイロットバーナーを点検してください。
Please check the pilot burner.
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.
パイロットが乗船した。
The pilot boarded the ship.