Translation guide
The Pleiades star cluster, known in Japanese as Subaru. This entry covers how to refer to the astronomical object, the mythological figures, and the cultural/brand associations.
Referring to the Pleiades as a celestial object in the night sky.
The most common and natural Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster. Used in astronomy, literature, and everyday conversation.
冬の夜空に昴が輝いている。
The Pleiades are shining in the winter night sky.
A more technical astronomical term, literally 'Pleiades star cluster'. Used in scientific contexts.
プレアデス星団はおうし座にある散開星団です。
The Pleiades star cluster is an open cluster in the constellation Taurus.
The kana rendering of 昴. Often used in brand names (e.g., Subaru cars) and in contexts where the kanji might be less familiar.
すばるは肉眼で見える星団です。
Subaru is a star cluster visible to the naked eye.
Referring to the Pleiades as the seven sisters from Greek mythology.
The standard translation for 'the Pleiades sisters' in mythological contexts.
プレアデスの七姉妹はギリシャ神話に登場します。
The Pleiades sisters appear in Greek mythology.
A less common variant using the Japanese name for the cluster. May be used in literary or poetic contexts.
昴の七人姉妹の伝説は世界中にあります。
Legends of the seven Pleiades sisters exist around the world.
Referring to the automobile manufacturer Subaru.
The official name of the car brand, written in katakana. Note that the star cluster is usually written as 昴 or すばる, while the brand is スバル.
スバルの車は四輪駆動で有名です。
Subaru cars are famous for their all-wheel drive.
昴 (すばる) is the traditional Japanese name for the star cluster and is used in astronomy and general contexts. スバル in katakana specifically refers to the car brand. プレアデス is a direct loan from English/Greek and is used mainly in scientific or mythological contexts.
昴は日本では古くから親しまれている星団です。
Subaru is a star cluster that has been familiar in Japan since ancient times.
スバルのエンブレムは昴を表しています。
The Subaru emblem represents the Pleiades.