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.
The most common and natural verb for birds, insects, or aircraft taking off into flight.
鳥が一斉に飛び立った。
The birds took flight all at once.
飛行機が滑走路から飛び立った。
The airplane took flight from the runway.
A literary or poetic term for soaring or taking flight, often used in written descriptions.
鷲が大空へ飛翔する。
The eagle takes flight into the vast sky.
To run away quickly; to escape from danger.
The standard verb for fleeing or escaping. Often used in everyday speech.
泥棒は裏口から逃げた。
The thief took flight through the back door.
A more formal term for fleeing, often used in news reports or official contexts.
犯人は現場から逃走した。
The suspect took flight from the scene.
A literary or archaic term for fleeing, rarely used in modern conversation.
彼らは戦場から遁走した。
They took flight from the battlefield.
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.
その本を読んで、想像力が羽ばたいた。
Reading that book, my imagination took flight.
Means 'heart dances', used when spirits soar or excitement takes flight.
彼の演奏を聴いて、心が躍った。
Listening to his performance, my spirits took flight.
A formal term for elation or uplift, often used in psychological or literary contexts.
成功の知らせに気分が高揚した。
My mood took flight at the news of success.