How to say "gunpowder" in Japanese

• 火薬かやくCommon
  nounThe common, general word for gunpowder, covering the substance in almost any context, from firearms to fireworks. When you simply mean 'gunpowder', this is the word you want.
  火薬かやくは注意ちゅうい深ふかく扱あつかわなければならない。↗

  Gunpowder needs to be handled very carefully.
• 硝薬しょうやく
  nounA less common synonym for gunpowder, referring to the same substance as 火薬. Because it is rare, this is seldom the word you want; use 火薬 unless you have a specific reason.
• 煙硝えんしょう
  nounAnother less common word for gunpowder, essentially a synonym of 火薬. You will seldom need it; 火薬 is the word to reach for in almost all cases.
• 黒色火薬こくしょくかやく
  nounThe specific term for black powder, the traditional gunpowder composition. Choose it when you mean that substance rather than gunpowder in general, for which 火薬 is the usual word.

Use 火薬 for gunpowder in general; 黒色火薬 only when you mean black powder specifically; 硝薬 and 煙硝 are less common synonyms that you will rarely need.

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

• 火薬かやくgunpowder
• 硝薬しょうやくgunpowder
• 煙硝えんしょうgunpowder
• 黒色火薬こくしょくかやくblack powder