Dictionary
English - Japanese
Feather
ˈfɛðər
Very common
~ 1900
~ 1900
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
羽 (はね), 羽毛 (うもう), 羽根 (はね), 羽ばたき (はばたき), 羽根付き (はねつき)
Feather meanings in Japanese
羽 (はね)
Example:
The bird spread its feathers.
鳥は羽を広げた。
She wore a dress adorned with feathers.
彼女は羽で飾られたドレスを着ていた。
Usage: InformalContext: Describing birds, fashion, or nature.
Note: This is the most common meaning, referring to the lightweight structures that cover birds and some other animals.
羽毛 (うもう)
Example:
The pillow is filled with feathers.
その枕は羽毛でいっぱいです。
Down feathers are very warm.
ダウン羽毛はとても暖かい。
Usage: InformalContext: Discussing materials used for bedding or clothing.
Note: 羽毛 specifically refers to the soft undercoating of birds, often used for insulation in bedding.
羽根 (はね)
Example:
The kite flew high with its colorful feathers.
その凧はカラフルな羽根で高く飛んだ。
He played the flute with a feather.
彼は羽根でフルートを演奏した。
Usage: InformalContext: Used in the context of toys, instruments, or decoration.
Note: 羽根 can also refer to parts of certain objects or instruments, like the blades of a propeller.
羽ばたき (はばたき)
Example:
The eagle's flap of its wings was majestic.
ワシの羽ばたきは壮大だった。
I heard the soft flapping of the bird's feathers.
鳥の羽の柔らかい羽ばたきが聞こえた。
Usage: InformalContext: Describing the action of flapping wings.
Note: This term emphasizes the action of a bird moving its wings.
羽根付き (はねつき)
Example:
They played the traditional game with a feathered shuttlecock.
彼らは羽根付きで伝統的な遊びをした。
Feathered games are popular in Japan.
羽根付きのゲームは日本では人気です。
Usage: InformalContext: Referring to traditional Japanese games.
Note: 羽根付き is a traditional Japanese game similar to badminton, using a feathered shuttlecock.
Feather's synonyms
plume
A plume is a large, fluffy feather, often used for decoration or ornamentation.
Example: The dancer's costume was adorned with colorful plumes.
Note: Plume typically refers to a large, showy feather, whereas feather can be more general.
quill
A quill is a writing instrument made from a bird's feather, historically used for writing.
Example: The author dipped the quill into the inkwell to write a letter.
Note: Quill specifically refers to a feather that has been prepared for writing, whereas feather is more general.
down
Down refers to the soft, fluffy feathers found underneath the tougher exterior feathers of birds.
Example: The pillow was filled with soft down feathers for extra comfort.
Note: Down specifically refers to the soft under feathers of birds, whereas feather can refer to any type of bird feather.
plumage
Plumage refers to the collective feathers of a bird, especially those used for display or camouflage.
Example: The bird's vibrant plumage caught the sunlight as it flew by.
Note: Plumage encompasses all the feathers of a bird, whereas feather can refer to a single feather.
Feather expressions, common phrases
Light as a feather
This phrase means something is very light in weight or feels light.
Example: Despite his size, he was light as a feather when she lifted him.
Note: This phrase uses 'feather' to emphasize the lightness of an object or person.
Birds of a feather flock together
This idiom means people who are similar in character, background, or interests tend to associate with one another.
Example: She and I both love hiking and traveling; birds of a feather flock together, after all.
Note: In this idiom, 'feather' is used metaphorically to refer to similarities between individuals.
Ruffle someone's feathers
To upset or annoy someone.
Example: Her comment really ruffled his feathers, and he stormed out of the room.
Note: In this phrase, 'feather' is used metaphorically to indicate causing agitation or irritation.
In fine feather
To be in good health, good spirits, or good form.
Example: After her promotion, she was in fine feather and celebrating with her friends.
Note: Here, 'feather' is used metaphorically to describe a positive state of being.
Feather in one's cap
An accomplishment or honor that one is proud of.
Example: Winning the competition was a feather in her cap, showcasing her talent to a wider audience.
Note: In this phrase, 'feather' symbolizes an achievement or success.
A feather in the wind
To feel aimless, without purpose or direction.
Example: He felt lost and directionless, like a feather in the wind.
Note: Here, 'feather' is used to convey a sense of being adrift and lacking control.
Can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear
It's impossible to turn something inferior or of low quality into something valuable or high quality.
Example: No matter how much she tried, she couldn't turn his laziness into productivity; you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
Note: While this phrase doesn't directly use 'feather,' it contrasts the idea of turning something worthless into something valuable, similar to transforming a feather into a luxurious silk purse.
Feather everyday (slang) expressions
Pluck (up) one's feathers
To pluck up one's feathers means to gain confidence or courage, especially after a setback or challenging situation.
Example: After receiving praise from the boss, she plucked up her feathers and tackled the challenging project.
Note: The original word 'feather' refers to a soft, plume-like structure of a bird.
Peacock
To peacock means to show off or display oneself, often in a boastful manner.
Example: He's always boasting about his achievements, like a peacock showing off its feathers.
Note: The original word 'feather' refers to the structure that covers a bird's body.
Molting season
Molting season refers to a period of change or transition, often characterized by feeling low, vulnerable, or shedding old habits.
Example: She's been feeling down lately, maybe it's just her molting season.
Note: 'Molting' is a term used in reference to birds shedding old feathers, while 'molting season' here metaphorically describes a time of personal change.
Feather in the wind
A feather in the wind refers to something delicate, fleeting, or easily influenced.
Example: His dreams were like a feather in the wind, constantly changing direction.
Note: This slang term uses the image of a feather being carried and shifted by the wind to convey the idea of something being easily swayed or changed, unlike a physical feather that is carried by air currents.
Down to a feather
To plan or execute something down to a feather means to pay close attention to even the smallest details, leaving nothing to chance.
Example: She planned the event down to a feather, making sure every detail was perfect.
Note: This slang term emphasizes meticulous planning and attention to detail, likening it to the lightness and fineness of a feather.
Feather brain
Feather brain is a term used to refer to someone who is forgetful or absent-minded.
Example: He forgot his keys for the fifth time this week; he's such a feather brain.
Note: The original word 'feather' implies lightness, and 'feather brain' is a slang term to describe someone's forgetful nature, not related to the actual weight or structure of a feather.
Feather - Examples
The bird's feathers were brightly colored.
She found a feather on the ground.
The pillow was filled with soft down feathers.
Feather grammar
Feather - Proper noun (Proper noun) / Proper noun, singular (Proper noun, singular)
Lemma: feather
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): feathers
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): feather
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): feathered
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): feathering
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): feathers
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): feather
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): feather
Syllables, Separation and Stress
feather Contains 2 syllables: feath • er
Phonetic transcription: ˈfe-t͟hər
feath er , ˈfe t͟hər (The red syllable is stressed)
Feather - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
feather: ~ 1900 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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