Translation guide
A rudder is a flat piece of wood or metal at the back of a boat or airplane that is used for steering. In Japanese, the word depends on the type of vehicle and context.
The steering device at the stern of a boat or ship.
General word for a rudder or helm of a boat or ship. Also used metaphorically for steering or control.
船長が舵を取った。
The captain took the helm.
The rudder broke and the ship became uncontrollable.
Loanword from English, used in technical or modern contexts, especially for ship rudders.
This ship is equipped with the latest rudder.
The movable control surface on the vertical stabilizer of an aircraft.
Something that guides or controls direction, like a leader or principle.
Used metaphorically for guidance or control, as in 'take the helm' of an organization.
He was entrusted with steering the company.
舵 (かじ) is the traditional Japanese word and is used broadly for boat rudders, helms, and figurative steering. ラダー is a loanword used mainly in technical or modern contexts for both ships and aircraft. In everyday conversation about boats, 舵 is more common.
Step on the rudder pedals to control the rudder.