Translation guide
A stray arrow refers to an arrow that misses its target and flies off course. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific terms that distinguish between a random stray arrow and one that hits an unintended target. The most common and useful term is 流れ矢, which is used in both literal and figurative contexts.
To describe an arrow that goes astray during archery or battle, without necessarily hitting anything.
The most common and natural term for a stray arrow. It literally means 'flowing arrow' and is used in both historical and modern contexts.
戦場では流れ矢に当たることもある。
On the battlefield, you can be hit by a stray arrow.
A less common synonym for a stray arrow, often used in historical or literary contexts.
それ矢が彼の兜をかすめた。
A stray arrow grazed his helmet.
To describe an arrow that misses its intended target but hits something or someone else.
Literally 'off-target arrow'. This phrase emphasizes that the arrow missed its mark and may have hit something else.
的外れの矢が観客席に飛び込んだ。
A stray arrow flew into the spectator seats.
Means 'erroneously shot arrow'. It implies a mistake in shooting, often used in formal or technical contexts.
訓練中に誤射の矢が人に当たる事故があった。
There was an accident during training where a stray arrow hit a person.
To use the concept of a stray arrow metaphorically, similar to English 'stray bullet' or 'random misfortune'.
Idiom meaning 'to be hit by a stray arrow', used figuratively to describe being affected by an unforeseen or random negative event.
彼の辞任は流れ矢に当たったようなものだ。
His resignation was like being hit by a stray arrow.
A common idiom meaning 'to get caught in the backlash' or 'to suffer collateral damage'. While not directly about arrows, it conveys a similar idea of being unintentionally affected by something aimed elsewhere.
上司の失敗のとばっちりを受けて、私が怒られた。
I got yelled at as a result of my boss's mistake — like being hit by a stray arrow.
流れ矢 is the standard, everyday term for a stray arrow. それ矢 is more literary and less common, often found in historical tales or poetry.
Do not translate 'stray arrow' word-for-word as 迷子の矢 (maigo no ya) or さまよう矢 (samayou ya). These sound unnatural and are not used in Japanese.