How to say "trajectory" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 弾道だんどうnounThe trajectory of a projectile: the path a bullet or shell follows after firing. Its companion sense 'line of fire' points to shooting, ballistics, and military contexts.
- 軌道きどうnounAn orbit: the path of a planet, satellite, or spacecraft as it circles a body or travels through space. This is the word for orbital and spaceflight senses of 'trajectory'.
Use 弾道 for the trajectory of a projectile such as a bullet or shell, and 軌道 for an orbit — the path of a planet, satellite, or spacecraft moving through space.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
