Translation guide
The English word "bat" has two main meanings: a flying mammal and a piece of sports equipment. These are completely different words in Japanese, so context is essential.
Referring to the nocturnal flying mammal.
The standard word for the animal. Can be written in kanji as 蝙蝠, but katakana is more common.
Referring to the piece of equipment used to hit a ball in sports.
Loanword from English, used for baseball, softball, and cricket bats.
Referring to the act of batting in sports.
General verb meaning 'to hit'. Used in baseball for batting.
洞窟にコウモリがたくさんいる。
There are many bats in the cave.
Bats are nocturnal.
He bought a new bat.
Hit the ball with a bat.
Used for table tennis bats (paddles). Not used for baseball.
I forgot my table tennis bat.
彼はホームランを打った。
He batted a home run.
Loanword verb meaning 'to bat' or 'to practice batting'.
I'm going to the batting center tomorrow.
animal bat