Translation guide
The vast expanse beyond Earth's atmosphere, where stars, planets, and galaxies exist. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific nouns and descriptive phrases.
Referring to the physical universe beyond Earth's atmosphere in a general or scientific context.
The most common and versatile word for 'outer space' or 'the universe'. Used in everyday conversation, news, and science.
宇宙にはたくさんの星がある。
There are many stars in outer space.
彼は宇宙に興味を持っている。
He is interested in outer space.
Literally 'cosmic space', a more technical term emphasizing the physical void of space. Common in scientific or formal contexts.
宇宙空間での実験は難しい。
Experiments in outer space are difficult.
Literally 'great universe', a more poetic or philosophical term for the cosmos. Rare in everyday speech.
大宇宙の神秘に思いを馳せる。
I ponder the mysteries of the great universe.
Talking about going to, being in, or exploring outer space.
The natural way to say 'go to outer space'. The verb 行く (to go) is used with the location 宇宙.
いつか宇宙に行きたい。
I want to go to outer space someday.
A more dramatic way to say 'blast off into outer space', often used in news or narratives.
ロケットが宇宙へ飛び立った。
The rocket blasted off into outer space.
Emphasizing the infinite, dark, or empty nature of outer space.
Means 'vast universe/space'. 広大 (vast) is commonly paired with 宇宙 to convey the immense scale.
広大な宇宙に比べれば、地球は小さい。
Compared to the vastness of outer space, Earth is small.
Literally 'dark universe', evoking the darkness of outer space. Used in poetic or descriptive writing.
暗黒の宇宙に光る星々。
Stars shining in the dark outer space.
宇宙 (uchuu) refers to outer space beyond the atmosphere, while 空 (sora) means 'sky' (the air above us). Don't confuse them: 'I see stars in the sky' is 空に星が見える, but 'I want to explore outer space' is 宇宙を探検したい.
空は青いが、宇宙は暗い。
The sky is blue, but outer space is dark.