Translation guide
The sound barrier is the point at which an object moves from subsonic to supersonic speed, causing a sudden increase in drag and a sonic boom. In Japanese, it is expressed with a specific technical term, and related concepts like breaking the barrier are common.
The physical phenomenon where air resistance increases sharply as an object approaches the speed of sound.
The standard translation for 'sound barrier'. Literally 'wall of sound'. Used in both technical and general contexts.
The airplane broke the sound barrier.
Literally 'wall of sound speed'. A slightly more technical variant, emphasizing the speed aspect.
When you exceed the sound barrier, shock waves are generated.
The act of exceeding the speed of sound, often with a sonic boom.
The most common phrase for 'break the sound barrier'. The verb 破る (やぶる) means 'to break' or 'to tear'.
He was the first pilot to break the sound barrier.
Literally 'exceed the speed of sound'. A more technical way to describe breaking the barrier, without the metaphorical 'wall'.
The loud explosive noise caused by an object moving faster than sound.
The technical term for 'shock wave', which is the cause of the sonic boom. Often used when discussing the sound barrier.
Breaking the sound barrier produces a shock wave.
The loanword 'sonic boom'. Commonly understood, especially in aviation contexts.
Unlike English, 'sound barrier' is not commonly used metaphorically in Japanese (e.g., for social or economic barriers). Stick to the literal aerodynamic meaning unless the context clearly borrows the English metaphor.
This jet easily exceeds the speed of sound.
The sonic boom echoed on the ground.