How to say "sphere" in Japanese

• 範囲はんいJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounCovers the extent or scope sense of 'sphere', as in a sphere of influence or activity. It refers to how far something extends, not to a round shape, so it is not for a geometrical or physical sphere.
  自分じぶんの収入しゅうにゅうの範囲はんいで生活せいかつするようにしなさい。↗

  Try to live within your income.
• 玉たまJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounA everyday word for a ball or rounded object. For 'sphere' as a shape it can work for concrete round things, but it suggests a ball-like object rather than the geometrical concept; 球 or 球体 is usually the better choice for that.
• 分野ぶんやJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounUsed for the abstract sense of 'sphere' as a field, domain, or area of activity or knowledge, such as a sphere of work or study. Never used for a physical or geometrical sphere.
  彼かれはこの分野ぶんやでは草分くさわけだ。↗

  He is a trailblazer in this field.
• 球きゅうJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounA concise word for a sphere as a geometrical or physical shape, also used for a globe or ball. It is the natural choice in mathematical, scientific, and sports contexts.
• 球体きゅうたいCommon
  nounRefers to a sphere as a solid, three-dimensional body. It emphasizes the round object itself and suits descriptive or scientific contexts where a concrete spherical body is meant.
  地球ちきゅうは完全かんぜんな球体きゅうたいではない。↗

  The earth is not a perfect globe.

For a physical sphere use 球, 球体, or 玉; for an abstract sphere such as a field of activity use 分野; 範囲 covers the 'scope or range' sense rather than a round shape.

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

• 範囲はんいextent
• 玉たまball
• 分野ぶんやfield
• 球きゅうsphere
• 球体きゅうたいsphere
• 圏けんsphere
• 圏域けんいきsphere (e.g. of knowledge, influence)
• 世界せかいsphere
• 方面ほうめんfield (e.g. of study)
• 畑はたけfield (of specialization)
• 場ばfield
• 領域りょういきfield
• 天地てんちland
• 球面きゅうめんsphere
• 舞台ぶたいsphere (of activity)