How to say "beacon" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 標識ひょうしきnounThe common, general word for a sign or marker; it covers 'beacon' when you mean a marker that guides or warns, and is the safe everyday choice for that broad sense.
- nounThe loanword, used as in English for a beacon as a device or signal; less common than 標識, it is the straightforward choice when 'beacon' names the apparatus or its emitted signal.
- 狼煙のろしnounCovers 'beacon' in the sense of a signal fire or smoke signals raised to send word over a distance; less common, and tied to that practice rather than to any device or marker.
- 航路標識こうろひょうしきnounThe maritime term: a beacon in the sense of a seamark, a mark placed along a sea route to guide vessels. Choose it only for that nautical sense of 'beacon'.
- 狼火ろうかnounA less common word for a signal fire lit as a beacon, close to 狼煙 but suggesting the blaze itself rather than the smoke; for most 'beacon' uses another word fits better.
Use 標識 for a beacon as a general sign or marker, 「ビーコン」 for the loanword device or signal, 航路標識 for seamarks at sea, and 狼煙 or 狼火 for signal fires.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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