Translation guide
The English word 'flipper' can refer to a marine animal's limb, a swimming aid, or a pinball machine part. This guide helps learners express each meaning naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the flat, paddle-like limb of a marine animal.
General term for fins and flippers of fish and marine animals. Covers both front and back limbs.
アザラシはひれを使って泳ぐ。
Seals swim using their flippers.
Kanji form of ひれ, used in formal or written contexts.
イルカの鰭は胸びれと尾びれがある。
Dolphins have pectoral flippers and a tail fin.
Biological term for forelimbs, including flippers. Used in scientific contexts.
ウミガメの前肢はひれ状になっている。
The forelimbs of sea turtles are flipper-shaped.
Referring to the rubber or plastic fins worn by swimmers and divers.
Loanword from English 'fin', commonly used for swim fins or diving fins.
シュノーケリングにはフィンが必要です。
You need fins for snorkeling.
Literally 'foot fin', used for swim fins, especially in contexts distinguishing from hand fins.
足ひれを履いて泳ぐと速く進める。
Wearing flippers makes you swim faster.
Refers to webbed feet or web-like swimming aids, but can sometimes be used for flippers in casual contexts.
Referring to the paddles that hit the ball in pinball.
Direct loanword from English 'flipper', used in pinball contexts.
ピンボールのフリッパーを操作する。
Operate the flippers in pinball.
Sometimes used for flippers in video game or arcade contexts, though less common than フリッパー.
子供用の水かきを買った。
I bought flippers for kids.
Press the paddle to hit the ball.