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.
飛行機が音の壁を破った。
The airplane broke the sound barrier.
Literally 'wall of sound speed'. A slightly more technical variant, emphasizing the speed aspect.
音速の壁を超えると衝撃波が発生する。
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'.
彼は初めて音の壁を破ったパイロットだ。
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'.
このジェット機は簡単に音速を超える。
This jet easily exceeds the speed of sound.
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.
音の壁を破ると衝撃波が生じる。
Breaking the sound barrier produces a shock wave.
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.
The loanword 'sonic boom'. Commonly understood, especially in aviation contexts.
ソニックブームが地上に響いた。
The sonic boom echoed on the ground.