Translation guide
The path of a celestial body or satellite around another, or the area of influence. In Japanese, different words are used for astronomical orbits, eye sockets, and figurative spheres of influence.
The curved path of a planet, moon, or satellite around a star or planet.
The bony cavity containing the eyeball.
Medical/anatomical term for the eye socket. Used in formal or clinical contexts.
A range of influence, activity, or interest, often used figuratively.
Can be used figuratively for a course of action or life path, similar to 'orbit' in English.
軌道 (きどう) is the standard term for a planned or regular orbit, like that of a planet or satellite. 軌跡 (きせき) emphasizes the actual path traced, often used for comets or in metaphorical senses (e.g., the trajectory of one's life).
In English, 'orbit' can mean the eye socket, but 軌道 (きどう) is never used for this. Use 眼窩 (がんか) in medical contexts or 目のくぼみ (めのくぼみ) casually.
The Earth revolves around the sun in an orbit.
人工衛星を軌道に乗せる。
To put a satellite into orbit.
Specifically refers to a circular or elliptical orbit around a body. Often used in technical contexts.
探査機は火星の周回軌道に入った。
The probe entered orbit around Mars.
Refers to the path or trajectory of a celestial body, but more literary and less common for standard 'orbit'. Often used for the path of comets or in poetic descriptions.
彗星の軌跡が夜空に輝いていた。
The comet's orbit shone in the night sky.
骨折は左の眼窩に及んでいた。
The fracture extended to the left orbit.
Everyday phrase meaning 'eye socket' or 'eye hollow'. Less technical, used in casual descriptions.
彼は目のくぼみが深い。
He has deep-set eyes (literally: deep eye sockets).
彼は政界の軌道に乗った。
He got into the orbit of the political world.
Sphere of influence, often political or economic. More direct than 軌道 for 'orbit' in the sense of domain.
その国は大国の勢力圏に入った。
The country fell into the orbit of the great power.
General word for 'range' or 'scope'. Can be used for 'orbit' in the sense of one's sphere of activity, but less specific.
彼の活動範囲は広い。
His orbit of activity is wide.