How to say "bucket" in Japanese

• バケツJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounThe usual word for a bucket or pail with a handle, used for carrying water or cleaning; for an ordinary bucket this is the word to use, not the tub-like 桶. Normally written in kana.
  このバケツには穴あなが開ひらいている。↗

  There's a hole in this bucket.
• 桶おけCommon
  nounA tub-shaped vessel, traditionally wooden, used in washing, bathing, or food preparation. It can also mean a bucket or pail, but for an everyday bucket with a handle バケツ is the word you want.
  彼女かのじょが電話でんわをしている間あいだにふろ桶おけがあふれた。↗

  The tub ran over while she was on the phone.

Use 「バケツ」 for an ordinary bucket with a handle, the kind used for carrying water or cleaning; use 桶 for a tub-like vessel, traditionally wooden and typically without a handle, in washing, bathing, or food preparation.

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

• バケツbucket
• 桶おけbucket
• ため桶ためおけbucket (for carrying sake, soy sauce, etc.)
• バケットbucket
• 手桶ておけpail
• 水桶みずおけpail (for water)