How to say "bit" in Japanese

• ビットCommon
  nounThe common loanword for the computing sense of 'bit', the unit of information, found in discussions of data and storage. It does not mean 'a bit' in the sense of a small amount.
• バイト
  nounA cutting tool — the 'bit' of machining, as on a lathe. Do not confuse it with the unrelated homograph バイト that means a part-time job.
• 轡くつわ
  nounA horse's bit — the metal mouthpiece of a bridle, fitted in the horse's mouth. Outside equestrian talk you will seldom need this kanji word.
• 一毫いちごう
  nounMeans 'a bit' or 'a trifle' — a tiny amount. Less common, and seldom the word you reach for in everyday speech; it has nothing to do with tools or horses.
• はみ
  nounA horse's bit — the mouthpiece of a bridle, the same sense as 轡. The word is usually written in kana alone, so はみ is the form you will normally meet.

Use 「ビット」 for the computing unit of information, 「バイト」 for a cutting tool, 轡 or 「はみ」 for a horse's mouthpiece, and 一毫 — sparingly — for 'a bit' meaning a tiny amount.

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

• ビットbit
• バイトcutting tool
• 轡くつわbit (mouthpiece)
• 一毫いちごう(a) bit
• はみbit (mouthpiece)
• 勒ろくbit (horse mouthpiece)
• 小片しょうへんsmall piece
• 片鱗へんりんpart
• 爪の垢つめのあかshred (of decency, etc.)