How to say "bead" in Japanese

• 粒つぶJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounCovers 'bead' in the general sense of a small round particle, in line with its grain and drop senses. A typical context is describing tiny round bits of a substance.
• 玉たまJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounCovers 'bead' in the liquid sense: a bead of sweat, dew or the like, matching its drop and droplet senses. A typical context is beads of sweat or dew forming on a surface.
  彼かれの額がくには玉たまのような汗あせが浮うかんでいた。↗

  There were beads of sweat on his forehead.

For 'bead', use 粒 for the general sense of a small round particle, and 玉 when the bead is a droplet of liquid such as sweat or dew.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 粒つぶgrain
• 照星しょうせいbead (of a gun)
• 小玉こだまsmall ball
• 玉たまbead (of sweat, dew, etc.)