Translation guide
The English word 'sonar' refers to a technology that uses sound waves to detect objects underwater. In Japanese, it is commonly expressed using the loanword ソナー or the native term 水中音波探知機, with ソナー being the most natural choice in everyday contexts.
To refer to sonar as a technology or system for underwater detection using sound.
The most common and natural way to say 'sonar' in Japanese. It is a loanword from English and is widely understood.
潜水艦はソナーを使って敵を探知した。
The submarine used sonar to detect the enemy.
A more technical, descriptive term meaning 'underwater sound wave detector'. It is used in formal or technical contexts but is less common in everyday speech.
この船には最新の水中音波探知機が搭載されている。
This ship is equipped with the latest sonar.
To refer to a specific sonar device or unit, such as on a boat or submarine.
Used for both the technology and the physical device. Context makes it clear.
漁師は魚群を見つけるためにソナーを使う。
Fishermen use sonar to find schools of fish.
To refer to sonar used by submarines or naval vessels for detection and navigation.
The standard term in military contexts as well.
護衛艦のソナーが不審な潜水艦を捉えた。
The destroyer's sonar detected a suspicious submarine.
An older or more specific term for a passive sonar system (hydrophone). Rarely used outside historical or very technical contexts.
旧海軍は水中聴音機を対潜戦に使用した。
The former navy used hydrophones for anti-submarine warfare.
In almost all everyday situations, ソナー is the best choice. 水中音波探知機 is very technical and may sound overly formal or stiff. Use it only in scientific papers or official documents.
ソナーで海底の地形を調べる。
We survey the ocean floor using sonar.
Specifically a 'fish finder', a type of sonar used in fishing. Very common in that context.
彼は新しい魚群探知機を買った。
He bought a new fish finder.