Translation guide
A vane is a flat or curved surface that catches wind or fluid to cause rotation, measure direction, or guide flow. This guide covers the most common Japanese terms for weather vanes, wind vanes, mechanical vanes, and related concepts.
A device, often ornamental, that shows wind direction, typically on a rooftop.
Literally 'wind-viewing chicken', this is the most common word for a weather vane, especially the classic rooster-shaped type. It can also metaphorically refer to an opportunist who shifts with the wind.
There is a weather vane on the roof.
That politician is an opportunist (lit. a weather vane).
A more technical term for a wind direction indicator, often used in meteorology or aviation. Less common in everyday speech.
Wind direction indicators are installed at airports.
A shorter, less common variant of 風見鶏. Can refer to any wind vane, but may be ambiguous without context.
The old weather vane is rusted.
A flat or curved blade that catches wind or fluid to produce rotation, as in a windmill, turbine, or fan.
General word for a blade, vane, or wing of a rotating device like a fan, windmill, or propeller. Very common.
The windmill's vanes are turning.
I cleaned the fan blades.
Often used for larger, more aerodynamic blades, such as those on aircraft propellers or wind turbines. Can sound technical.
Loanword from English 'blade', commonly used in engineering contexts for turbine or fan blades.
A flat piece that slides in a slot to guide fluid or gas in rotary pumps or compressors.
The flat, web-like part of a feather, consisting of barbs.
Scientific term for the vane of a feather. Not used in everyday conversation.
The vane of a bird's feather is light and strong.
風見鶏 is the everyday word for a decorative weather vane, often a rooster. 風向計 is a technical instrument for measuring wind direction, used in meteorology.
羽根 is the general term for blades/vanes in fans, windmills, etc. 翼 implies a more aerodynamic shape, like an aircraft wing or large turbine blade. ブレード is a direct loanword used in engineering.
The blades of a wind turbine are very long.
このタービンのブレードは複合材でできている。
This turbine's blades are made of composite material.
The vanes in this compressor are worn.