Translation guide
The English word "satellite" covers natural moons, artificial spacecraft, and metaphorical dependents. Japanese uses different words for each, and the most common term 衛星 (eisei) is used for both natural and artificial satellites in scientific contexts.
A man-made object placed in orbit around the Earth, moon, or another planet, used for communication, weather monitoring, etc.
The standard term for an artificial satellite. Often shortened to just 衛星 in context.
Japan has launched many satellites.
Commonly used for both natural and artificial satellites when the context is clear. In technical or scientific contexts, it's the default.
We analyze data from weather satellites.
Loanword from English, used in some compound terms like サテライトオフィス (satellite office) or in brand names, but not the primary term for spacecraft.
Receive satellite broadcasting.
A celestial body that orbits a planet, such as the Moon around Earth.
A country, organization, or person that is dependent on or controlled by a more powerful one.
Literally 'satellite country', used in political contexts for a state that is formally independent but under heavy influence or control by another.
During the Cold War, Eastern European countries were satellite states of the Soviet Union.
Means 'dependency' or 'vassal state', often used historically. Less common for modern political satellites.
Means 'puppet state', implying a government that is completely controlled by an outside power. Stronger and more negative than 衛星国.
That regime is nothing more than a satellite state.
A smaller or secondary location of an organization, separate from the main headquarters or campus.
Used as a prefix in compound nouns like サテライトオフィス (satellite office) or サテライトキャンパス (satellite campus).
The company opened a satellite office in the city center.
Used for a branch hospital or clinic. For schools, 分校 (ぶんこう) is used.
Specifically a branch school or satellite campus of a university.
Relating to broadcasting or communication via satellite.
The loanword サテライト is mainly used in compound business or technology terms. For astronomical bodies, always use 衛星.
In everyday conversation about space or technology, 衛星 alone is enough to mean artificial satellite. Adding 人工 (artificial) is only necessary when contrasting with natural satellites.
The moon is beautiful tonight.
その王国はかつて大国の属国だった。
That kingdom was once a satellite of a great power.
The hospital has a satellite clinic in the suburbs.
大学の分校が地方にある。
The university has a satellite campus in the region.
Refers to satellite communication in general, including data and telephone.
Use satellite communication to contact remote areas.