How to say "bomb" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounThe default word for a bomb in the literal, explosive sense, whether a weapon or an object that might explode. If you mean an actual bomb, this is almost always the word you want.
- nounA loanword also meaning bomb in the literal sense, often in borrowed phrases, sporting or game contexts, and brand-like names. For ordinary reference to an explosive device, ばくだん is the more natural choice.
- 爆裂弾ばくれつだんnounA less common, somewhat technical word for an explosive bomb or bombshell. It is seldom the word you want in everyday speech; ばくだん covers the ordinary literal sense.
- 爆弾マークばくだんマークnounRefers to a bomb symbol or pictogram, such as the bomb-shaped mark used on maps or signs to flag a warning. It is not a general word for a bomb itself.
- 失敗作しっぱいさくnounCovers only the figurative sense of 'bomb' meaning a flop: an unsuccessful work, performance, or product. It never refers to an explosive device.
Use 「ばくだん」 for an actual explosive bomb; 「ボム」 is a loanword alternative; 爆裂弾 and 「爆弾マーク」 are narrow; 失敗作 covers only the figurative 'flop' sense.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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