オリオン座
Orion-za[o̞ɾʲiõ̞nd͡za̠]
The English phrase Orion is translated into Japanese as オリオン座 (Orion-za).
The term refers to the constellation Orion. Because it is a foreign loanword from Greek/Latin, it is written using the Katakana script.
Meaning: constellation (name)
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual conversation, you can omit the suffix 座 (za) and simply say オリオン, but including it is the standard way to refer to the constellation name.
How do you pronounce it?
Orion-za
Did you know?
- The suffix 座 (za) used in オリオン座 is the same character used to denote a 'seat' or a 'theatre'. In the context of astronomy, it functions like the English word 'constellation' by literally meaning 'the seat of Orion'.
- In Japanese culture, オリオン座 is often associated with the winter season. While visible elsewhere, it is the quintessential symbol of a clear, cold Japanese winter night.
- While many Japanese names for stars and constellations are based on ancient Chinese astronomy, オリオン座 is a modern westernization. This means it follows a phonetic transcription rather than a traditional descriptive name used in historical Japanese star charts.
Examples in context
- 星座は全然詳しくないな。オリオン座とカシオペア座くらいしか見てもわからない。あと北斗七星もわかる。I know nothing about constellations. I can only recognize Orion and Cassiopeia. Oh, and the Big Dipper, too.This sentence is useful for discussing how little one knows about constellations and can only recognize オリオン座, Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper.Tatoeba #1138342 by mookeee, translation #1527895 by marshmallowcat
- 「オリオン」と言うと、正式にはどのように発音しますか？How do you formally pronounce 'Orion'?
- オリオン座が見えます。Orion-za ga miemasu.I can see Orion.
- 冬の空にはオリオン座が輝いています。Fuyu no sora ni wa Orion-za ga kagayaite imasu.Orion is shining in the winter sky.
Example conversation
Hiroto and Himari are looking at the night sky together.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵、あそこにオリオン座があるよ。Himari, asoko ni Orion-za ga aru yo.Himari, Orion is over there.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だ！すごく明るいね。Hontou da! Sugoku akarui ne.You're right! It's really bright.
- 大翔 Hiroto冬の夜空に一番目立つ星座だと思う。Fuyu no yozora ni ichiban medatsu seiza da to omou.I think it's the most prominent constellation in the winter sky.
- 陽葵 Himari教えてくれてありがとう、大翔くん。Oshiete kurete arigatou, Hiroto-kun.Thanks for showing me, Hiroto.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “orion” translations and entries オリオン座, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
