Translation guide
A mechanical device with rotating blades that pushes against air or water to move a vehicle.
propeller
The rotating bladed device used for propulsion or moving air.
The most common and general term for a propeller, used for aircraft, boats, and sometimes fans. A loanword from English.
The airplane's propeller started spinning.
This boat has two propellers.
A more technical term meaning 'propulsion device'. Used in engineering or formal contexts.
This submarine is equipped with a new type of propeller.
Specifically refers to a screw propeller, often used for ships. Can also mean 'screw' in general.
The ship's propeller got tangled and couldn't move.
Referring to the propeller as part of an aircraft or boat.
プロペラ is understood by all Japanese speakers and is the safest choice for any context, from casual conversation to technical descriptions. Use 推進器 only in very formal or engineering documents.