風船
Meanings
1
The everyday modern meaning: a small inflatable rubber or plastic balloon used as a toy, party decoration, etc.
The children are playing by blowing up balloons.
I bought colorful balloons for the party.
2
dated term
Dated original meaning referring to a large balloon for flight, such as a hot-air balloon or gas balloon. Modern Japanese usually uses 気球 for this.
See also: 気球
In the 19th century, attempts were made to travel the sky by balloon.
Usage patterns
- 風船を膨らませるto blow up/inflate a balloon
I blew up balloons for the birthday party.
- 風船が割れるfor a balloon to burst/pop
The balloon burst with a loud bang.
- 風船を飛ばすto release balloons into the air
At the end of the event, hundreds of balloons were released into the sky.
- 風船がしぼむfor a balloon to deflate
After a few days, the balloon deflated.