How to say "bulb" in Japanese

• 球きゅうJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounMeans a sphere, globe, or ball generally; the 'bulb' sense covers round bulb-shaped things, as in the bulb of an electric lamp. For plant or hoof bulbs it is not the usual choice.
• バルブ
  nounA loanword mainly for bulbs of electrical equipment such as light bulbs, and for valves in machinery. As a rendering of 'bulb' it is limited and less common than the native words.
• 鱗茎りんけい
  nounThe botanical term for the underground bulb of plants such as lilies and tulips. Use this when 'bulb' refers to the planted or edible storage organ of a flowering plant.
• 蹄球ていきゅう
  nounA specialized veterinary and anatomical term for the bulb at the back of an animal's hoof, as in horses. It is never used for other senses of 'bulb'.

Use 球 for a sphere or ball (including an eyeball-like round shape), 「バルブ」 for bulbs in machinery or electrical fittings, 鱗茎 for the underground bulb of plants like tulips, and 蹄球 only for the bulb of a hoof.

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

• 球きゅうsphere
• バルブbulb
• 鱗茎りんけいbulb (of a lily, tulip, etc.)
• 蹄球ていきゅうbulb (of an animal's hoof)
• 球根きゅうこん(plant) bulb
• 玉たまbulb (i.e. a light bulb)