Translation guide
A musical instrument that produces sound by the vibration of air, typically blown into by the player.
The broad category of musical instruments played by blowing air into them.
The standard, neutral term for any wind instrument. Used in formal and everyday contexts.
He plays a wind instrument.
I like the tone of wind instruments.
Literally 'blown instrument', often used in the context of wind bands or ensembles. Slightly more technical.
I want to start playing a wind instrument.
Instruments where sound is produced by blowing air across an edge or through a reed, traditionally made of wood.
The standard term for woodwind instruments. Includes flute, clarinet, oboe, etc.
The flute is a woodwind instrument.
Instruments where sound is produced by buzzing the lips into a mouthpiece, typically made of brass.
The standard term for brass instruments. Includes trumpet, trombone, tuba, etc.
The trumpet is a type of brass instrument.
Referring to a particular wind instrument by name.
A general term for flutes and whistles. Can refer to traditional Japanese flutes like shakuhachi or shinobue, or Western flutes.
He is good at playing the flute.
Recorder, a common woodwind instrument in schools.
Harmonica, a small wind instrument played by mouth.
In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers often use the specific name of the instrument (e.g., フルート, トランペット) rather than the generic 'wind instrument'. Use 管楽器 when you need to refer to the category as a whole.
小学生のとき、リコーダーを習った。
I learned the recorder when I was in elementary school.
彼はブルースハーモニカを演奏する。
He plays the blues harmonica.