Translation guide
An aircraft that operates without a human pilot on board. In Japanese, the most common term is ドローン (drone), but more formal or technical terms exist depending on context.
Referring to a drone or unmanned aircraft in casual or general contexts.
The most common and widely understood term for an unmanned aircraft, especially small multirotor types. Used in news, conversation, and commercial contexts.
最近、ドローンで空撮を楽しむ人が増えている。
Recently, more people are enjoying aerial photography with drones.
Formal term for unmanned aircraft, used in legal, technical, or official documents. Covers all types, including fixed-wing and rotorcraft.
無人航空機の飛行には許可が必要な場合がある。
Permission may be required to fly an unmanned aircraft.
Abbreviation for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Used in technical or military contexts, often by professionals or enthusiasts.
UAVの技術は急速に進歩している。
UAV technology is advancing rapidly.
Referring to unmanned aircraft used for reconnaissance, combat, or other military purposes.
Common term for military drones or unmanned vehicles (air, ground, sea). Often used in news about defense.
敵の無人機が国境付近で目撃された。
An enemy unmanned aircraft was spotted near the border.
Specifically 'military drone'. Clear and widely understood, though slightly less formal than 無人機.
軍用ドローンが偵察任務に使われた。
A military drone was used for a reconnaissance mission.
Technical term for 'combat unmanned aircraft' (UCAV). Used in defense white papers or specialized articles.
戦闘用無人航空機の開発が進められている。
Development of combat unmanned aircraft is underway.
Referring to unmanned aircraft in the context of aviation regulations, engineering, or research.
The standard term in Japanese aviation law and technical documents. Covers all unmanned aircraft, including fixed-wing and rotorcraft.
無人航空機の安全基準が改定された。
Safety standards for unmanned aircraft have been revised.
Unmanned Aircraft System, including ground control. Used in international or technical contexts.
UASの運用には特別な訓練が必要だ。
Operating a UAS requires special training.
ドローン is the everyday word for a drone, especially small multirotor types. 無人航空機 is the formal, legal term that includes all unmanned aircraft, such as fixed-wing drones and large military UAVs. In casual conversation, ドローン is almost always preferred.
公園でドローンを飛ばすのは禁止されている。
Flying a drone in the park is prohibited.
無人航空機の登録が義務化された。
Registration of unmanned aircraft has become mandatory.
While 無人の航空機 is grammatically possible, it sounds unnatural. Use 無人航空機 or ドローン instead.
その会社は配送サービス用の無人航空機を開発している。
The company develops unmanned aircraft for delivery services.
彼は新しいドローンを買った。
He bought a new drone.