Translation guide
The feathers covering a bird's body. In Japanese, the most common word is 羽毛 (umou), but there are also more specific or poetic terms.
Referring to the collective feathers of a bird, often in a descriptive or scientific context.
The standard word for plumage or feathers collectively. Used in both everyday and scientific contexts.
その鳥は美しい羽毛を持っている。
That bird has beautiful plumage.
General word for feathers or wings. Can refer to plumage when context is clear, but more commonly means individual feathers or wings.
鳥の羽がカラフルだ。
The bird's feathers are colorful.
Refers to the coat or fur of an animal, but can be used poetically for a bird's plumage, emphasizing texture and quality.
その鳥の毛並みは絹のように滑らかだ。
The bird's plumage is as smooth as silk.
Emphasizing the decorative or display aspect of a bird's feathers, such as in mating displays.
Specifically refers to ornamental feathers, like those of peacocks or birds of paradise.
クジャクの飾り羽はとても華やかだ。
The peacock's plumage is very showy.
Can also be used for ornamental plumage, but is more general.
繁殖期の鳥の羽毛は鮮やかになる。
The plumage of birds becomes vivid during the breeding season.
Referring to the soft, fluffy feathers, often used for insulation.
Refers to down feathers or soft, fluffy plumage, like that of chicks or underfeathers.
ひよこの綿毛はふわふわしている。
The chick's downy plumage is fluffy.
Loanword for down, often used in contexts like jackets or bedding, but can refer to the plumage itself.
Using plumage metaphorically or in literary expressions.
Literary term for a robe of feathers, often used in mythology or poetry to describe a bird's plumage as a garment.
天女の羽衣は七色に輝いていた。
The celestial maiden's plumage shone in seven colors.
羽 (hane) can mean both 'feather' and 'wing'. To avoid ambiguity when referring to plumage, use 羽毛 (umou) for the collective feathers.
This bird's down plumage is very warm.