翼(つばさ)

つばさ

noun

wing, wings

1. wing, wings

The limbs of a bird or the parts of an aircraft that enable flight.

The bird spread its wings.

I can see the airplane's wings.

I treated the injured bird's wing.

2. wing (figurative)

Used metaphorically to represent freedom, protection, or support.

Give wings to your dreams.

Figurative expression

I want to spread the wings of freedom and fly off to a new world.

Music gives wings to the heart.

翼(つばさ) refers to the wings of a bird, insect, or aircraft. It has a literary, elevated tone compared to the more everyday 羽(はね).

翼(つばさ): wings (literary, poetic, often paired)
羽(はね): wing or feather (everyday, can refer to a single wing or feathers themselves)

翼(つばさ) tends to evoke the image of wings spread in flight, while 羽(はね) is more general.

Often used metaphorically in expressions about 自由(じゆう), 夢(ゆめ), and ambition. Common in song lyrics, literature, and motivational contexts.

翼(つばさ) is also a popular given name for both boys and girls in Japan.

Related Words

general

Added 2026.1.12 18:31 · Revised 2026.9.2 11:55

03500/03528_tsubasa