Translation guide
The Seven Sisters typically refers to the Pleiades star cluster or, in some contexts, a group of seven related things. In Japanese, the most common reference is the Pleiades, known as 昴 (Subaru). Other uses include the Seven Sisters colleges or geographical features.
Referring to the Pleiades, the famous open star cluster in the constellation Taurus.
The standard Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster. Widely recognized, also used as the brand name Subaru.
冬の夜空に昴が輝いている。
The Pleiades are shining in the winter night sky.
The astronomical term for the Pleiades star cluster. More technical than 昴.
プレアデス星団はおうし座にある。
The Pleiades star cluster is in the constellation Taurus.
Referring to the group of seven prestigious liberal arts colleges in the northeastern United States.
The direct loanword for the Seven Sisters colleges. Commonly used in educational contexts.
彼女はセブン・シスターズの一つであるウェルズリー大学を卒業した。
She graduated from Wellesley College, one of the Seven Sisters.
A less common Japanese translation, literally 'seven sisters universities'. May require explanation.
七姉妹大学はアメリカの名門女子大学群です。
The Seven Sisters are a group of prestigious women's colleges in the US.
Referring to the chalk cliffs on the south coast of England.
The loanword used for the geographical feature. Often explained as 'セブン・シスターズの崖' (cliffs).
セブン・シスターズの崖はイギリスの観光名所です。
The Seven Sisters cliffs are a tourist attraction in England.
Referring to the famous waterfall in Geirangerfjord, Norway.
The standard Japanese name for this waterfall, combining the loanword with 滝 (waterfall).
ノルウェーのセブン・シスターズの滝はとても美しい。
The Seven Sisters waterfall in Norway is very beautiful.
Referring to the mythological figures, often the daughters of Atlas and Pleione in Greek myth, or similar groups in other cultures.
Used in mythological contexts to refer to the seven sisters transformed into stars.
ギリシャ神話では、プレアデスの七姉妹は星になった。
In Greek mythology, the Pleiades' seven sisters became stars.
The term 'Seven Sisters' can refer to different things. In Japanese, the Pleiades is the most common association. For other meanings, the loanword 'セブン・シスターズ' is often used with additional context.