Translation guide
The English word 'balloon' can refer to a toy balloon, a hot-air balloon, or the verb meaning to swell or expand. This guide covers the most common Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
A small inflatable rubber bag used as a toy or decoration.
The standard word for a toy balloon. Used for party balloons, water balloons, etc.
The children are playing with balloons.
Please inflate the balloon.
Loanword from English, often used in commercial contexts or for decorative balloons, like balloon art or balloon bouquets.
A large balloon filled with heated air, used for carrying passengers.
To become larger or rounder in shape, often suddenly.
Intransitive verb meaning to swell, expand, or bulge. Used for cheeks, sails, budgets, etc.
His cheeks ballooned.
Intransitive verb similar to 膨らむ, but often implies a more irregular or puffy swelling, or can be used for sulking.
Formal/technical term for expansion, often used for gases, metals, or abstract things like budgets.
Air expands (balloons) with heat.
A rounded outline containing words or thoughts in a comic or cartoon.
While バルーン is used for toy/decorative balloons and speech bubbles, it is not used for hot-air balloons. Use 熱気球 instead.
バルーンアートが得意です。
I'm good at balloon art.
A balloon festival is held.
The sail is ballooning in the wind.
パンが膨れた。
The bread ballooned (rose).
バルーンの中に文字を入れる。
Put text inside the balloon.