Translation guide
A windmill is a structure that converts wind energy into rotational motion, traditionally for milling grain or pumping water, and in modern contexts for generating electricity. This guide covers how to refer to these structures and related concepts in Japanese.
A structure with sails that uses wind power to grind grain or pump water, often seen in older European landscapes.
The standard word for a windmill, especially the traditional kind with large blades. It can also refer to a wind turbine in modern contexts, but context usually clarifies.
There are many beautiful windmills in the Netherlands.
This windmill was used to grind wheat into flour.
A tall structure with rotating blades that generates electricity from wind, often found in wind farms.
Technically accurate term for a wind turbine generator. Commonly used in news and technical contexts.
Many wind turbines have been installed in this area.
In everyday conversation, 風車 is often used for modern wind turbines as well, though it can be ambiguous. Context usually makes it clear.
A small, often colorful pinwheel that spins in the wind, used as a toy or decoration.
When referring to a toy pinwheel, the reading is usually かざぐるま. This is the most common term for the handheld toy.
The child is running with a pinwheel.
Used metaphorically to describe something that is futile or imaginary, like 'tilting at windmills'.
A direct translation of 'tilting at windmills', from Don Quixote. It means fighting imaginary enemies or engaging in a futile struggle. This is a literary reference and not commonly used in everyday speech.
His protest is like tilting at windmills.
A more explicit reference to Don Quixote, meaning to fight imaginary foes. Very literary.
The kanji 風車 can be read as ふうしゃ or かざぐるま. ふうしゃ typically refers to full-sized windmills or wind turbines, while かざぐるま usually means a toy pinwheel. In ambiguous contexts, the reading may need to be specified, but often the context makes it clear.
A group of wind turbines is called 風力発電所 (ふうりょくはつでんしょ) or ウィンドファーム (wind farm). The latter is a loanword and common in news.
丘の上に大きな風車が並んでいる。
Large windmills are lined up on the hill.
A direct loanword from English 'wind turbine', used in technical or engineering contexts.
A new wind turbine design was announced.
He is tilting at windmills like Don Quixote.