Translation guide
The English word 'shuttle' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a vehicle that travels back and forth regularly, the space shuttle, and the shuttlecock used in badminton. It also touches on the weaving tool and the verb meaning.
A transport service that makes frequent short journeys between two places.
The most common and direct translation for a shuttle bus. Often used for airport shuttles, hotel shuttles, etc.
空港までシャトルバスが出ています。
There is a shuttle bus to the airport.
Literally 'pick-up/drop-off bus'. Used for courtesy buses provided by hotels, companies, etc.
ホテルの送迎バスを利用した。
I used the hotel's shuttle bus.
Can refer to a shuttle flight or shuttle service. More general than シャトルバス.
東京-大阪間のシャトル便が増便された。
The shuttle flights between Tokyo and Osaka have been increased.
Specifically refers to an airport limousine bus, a type of shuttle bus connecting airports and city centers.
成田空港からリムジンバスで都心に向かった。
I took the limousine bus from Narita Airport to the city center.
A spacecraft designed for repeated use, especially the US Space Shuttle program.
The standard term for the space shuttle. Often used with the definite article in English, but Japanese does not use articles.
スペースシャトルは2011年に退役した。
The space shuttle was retired in 2011.
The object hit back and forth in badminton.
Short for shuttlecock. Very common in sports contexts.
シャトルがラケットに当たった。
The shuttle hit the racket.
Literally 'feather'. Can refer to the shuttlecock, especially in traditional or casual contexts.
A tool used in weaving to carry the weft thread back and forth.
The traditional Japanese word for a weaving shuttle. Rarely used outside of textile contexts.
機織りでは杼を使って横糸を通す。
In weaving, a shuttle is used to pass the weft thread.
The loanword is also used in modern or industrial weaving contexts.
To travel back and forth frequently between two places.
Means 'to go back and forth' or 'to make a round trip'. Can be used for people or vehicles.
彼は毎日東京と横浜を往復している。
He shuttles between Tokyo and Yokohama every day.
A more colloquial way to say 'go back and forth'. Emphasizes the repetitive movement.
子供たちを学校と塾に送るため、一日中行ったり来たりしている。
I spend all day shuttling the kids between school and cram school.
The shuttlecock broke, so I took out a new one.
This loom has an automatic shuttle.