Translation guide
The English phrase "take flight" can mean to begin flying, to flee, or to soar metaphorically. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To start flying; to launch into the air.
To run away quickly; to escape from danger.
The standard verb for fleeing or escaping. Often used in everyday speech.
To rise or expand in a figurative sense, such as imagination or emotions.
Literally 'imagination flaps its wings', a natural metaphor for imagination taking flight.
The most common and natural verb for birds, insects, or aircraft taking off into flight.
The birds took flight all at once.
The airplane took flight from the runway.
A literary or poetic term for soaring or taking flight, often used in written descriptions.
The eagle takes flight into the vast sky.
The thief took flight through the back door.
A more formal term for fleeing, often used in news reports or official contexts.
The suspect took flight from the scene.
A literary or archaic term for fleeing, rarely used in modern conversation.
They took flight from the battlefield.
Reading that book, my imagination took flight.
Means 'heart dances', used when spirits soar or excitement takes flight.
Listening to his performance, my spirits took flight.
A formal term for elation or uplift, often used in psychological or literary contexts.
My mood took flight at the news of success.