Translation guide
A star chart is a map of the night sky used for astronomy, navigation, or stargazing. In Japanese, the most common term is 星図 (seizu), but other words exist depending on context.
A map of stars and constellations for scientific or amateur astronomy.
The standard term for a star chart or star atlas. Used in astronomy.
この星図には北半球の星座が載っています。
This star chart shows the constellations of the northern hemisphere.
Literally 'celestial body map'. More formal or technical, often used in academic contexts.
天体図を使って惑星の位置を確認した。
I checked the positions of the planets using a celestial chart.
A planisphere or star wheel, a rotating star chart used to find constellations for a given date and time. Common among stargazers.
星座早見盤を回して、今夜見える星を調べた。
I turned the planisphere to find out which stars are visible tonight.
A less common term, sometimes used for printed star charts or tables.
古い星図表を図書館で見つけた。
I found an old star chart in the library.
A chart used for celestial navigation at sea or in aviation.
Specifically a chart used for celestial navigation, plotting positions of celestial bodies for sextant observations.
航海士は天測図を使って船の位置を割り出した。
The navigator determined the ship's position using a celestial navigation chart.
Can also be used in navigation contexts, though less specific than 天測図.
昔の船乗りは星図を頼りに航海した。
Sailors in the past navigated using star charts.
A diagram used in astrology showing the positions of celestial bodies at a specific time, such as a birth chart.
The common loanword for a horoscope or astrological chart.
彼女は自分のホロスコープを毎日チェックしている。
She checks her horoscope every day.
Literally 'star fortune-telling chart'. A descriptive phrase for an astrological chart.
星占いの図を作成してもらった。
I had an astrological chart made for me.
Specifically a natal chart in astrology. Used by enthusiasts.
ネイタルチャートを読むのは難しい。
Reading a natal chart is difficult.
星図 is the most common word for a star map. 天体図 is more formal and often used in scientific publications. In everyday conversation, 星図 is preferred.
星座表 (seizahyō) usually means a list or table of constellations, not a graphical chart. Use 星図 or 星座早見盤 for a visual map.