General term for lighter-than-air aircraft, including hot-air balloons, weather balloons, and blimps. Not used for toy balloons (風船).
I want to ride in a balloon and fly through the sky.
Weather balloons are launched every day.
The tourists rode in a hot-air balloon and enjoyed the scenery.
The research team launched an observation balloon.
A large balloon slowly rose into the morning sky.
The staff inflated the balloon using a burner.
chance; opportunity; right moment · machine; device · aircraft; plane · counter for aircraft · counter for remaining lives
Compound of 気 (gas, air) and 球 (sphere, ball). A straightforward kanji compound for a gas-filled spherical aircraft.