Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'bathtub' depends on the context—whether you mean the deep soaking tub in a bathroom, a Western-style tub, or the room itself. The most common word is 浴槽 (よくそう), but in daily conversation, people often refer to the bath as お風呂 (おふろ), which can mean the bath, the bathtub, or the act of bathing.
Referring specifically to the physical tub where you soak, as distinct from the bathroom or the act of bathing.
The standard word for 'bathtub' as a physical object. Used in product descriptions, technical contexts, and when you need to be precise.
I bought a new bathtub.
This bathtub is spacious, isn't it?
Loanword from English, commonly used for Western-style bathtubs, especially in hotels or modern apartments. Less traditional than 浴槽.
The hotel room has a bathtub.
Literally 'hot water boat', a warm, everyday word for the bathtub filled with hot water. Often used when talking about soaking or the bathwater itself.
Soaking in the bathtub relieves fatigue.
The child is playing in the bathtub.
In casual speech, 'bathtub' is often implied when talking about taking a bath. Japanese uses お風呂 to cover the whole bathing context.
The most common word for 'bath' or 'bathtub' in everyday language. Can refer to the tub, the bathwater, or the act of bathing. Use this when you're not being technical.
I'm going to take a bath. / I'm getting in the bathtub.
The bath is ready. (The bathtub is filled with hot water.)
I clean the bathtub.
Sometimes 'bathtub' is used to mean the bathroom that contains a tub. In Japanese, the room is distinct from the tub.
浴槽 is the technical term for the physical tub. お風呂 is the everyday word that can mean the tub, the hot water, or the act of bathing. 湯船 emphasizes the tub filled with hot water and is often used in phrases about soaking.
Measure the size of the bathtub.
The bathwater got cold.
Soak leisurely in the bathtub.
In English, 'bathroom' often includes the toilet. In Japan, the bath and toilet are usually separate rooms. お風呂 refers to the bathing area, not the toilet.