気球
Meanings
1
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.
Usage patterns
- 気球に乗るto ride in a balloon
The tourists rode in a hot-air balloon and enjoyed the scenery.
- 気球を飛ばすto launch/fly a balloon
The research team launched an observation balloon.
- 気球が上がるfor a balloon to rise/go up
A large balloon slowly rose into the morning sky.
- 気球を膨らませるto inflate a balloon
The staff inflated the balloon using a burner.