Translation guide
Describes something that protrudes outward, swells, or is visibly full. Covers physical shapes, containers under pressure, and figurative fullness.
Describing a surface or object that sticks out in a rounded way.
The most common and neutral way to say something is bulging or swollen outward. Used for cheeks, bags, muscles, etc.
彼の頬が膨らんでいる。
His cheeks are bulging.
膨らんだ封筒
a bulging envelope
Emphasizes something sticking out or protruding, often in a more pointed or abrupt way than 膨らんだ.
壁から突き出た釘
a nail bulging from the wall
A formal or geological term for a raised or bulging area, like a bulge in the earth's surface.
地殻の隆起した部分
a bulging part of the earth's crust
Describing something that has increased in size due to internal pressure, injury, or filling.
Specifically for body parts that are swollen due to injury or illness. Not used for bags or containers.
目が腫れている。
My eye is bulging/swollen.
A casual, onomatopoeic word for something stretched tight or bulging, like a full stomach or overstuffed bag.
お腹がパンパンだ。
My stomach is bulging (from eating too much).
パンパンなスーツケース
a bulging suitcase
Refers to expansion or swelling due to heat, gas, or other physical forces. Often used in scientific contexts.
膨張したタイヤ
a bulging tire
Describing a container that is so full its sides are pushing outward.
Literally 'about to burst', used for bags, pockets, or anything stretched to capacity.
はち切れそうなバッグ
a bulging bag
ポケットがはち切れそうだ。
My pockets are bulging.
Stuffed to the point of bulging; emphasizes the tight packing.
パンパンに詰まった財布
a bulging wallet
Describing eyes that protrude, often due to surprise, fear, or a medical condition.
Idiomatic phrase for eyes bulging in surprise or shock. Literally 'eyes jump out'.
驚いて目が飛び出そうになった。
I was so surprised my eyes nearly bulged out.
Describes large, bulging, staring eyes. Can be negative if used to describe a person.
彼はぎょろ目だ。
He has bulging eyes.
Describing something metaphorically bulging with contents, like a schedule or a wallet full of money.
Packed tightly, often used for schedules, information, or contents. Implies a bulging amount.
ぎっしり詰まったスケジュール
a bulging schedule
Overflowing, almost spilling out. Used for abundance of things like money, talent, or energy.
あふれんばかりの現金
bulging with cash
膨らんだ (fukuranda) is for general bulging shapes (cheeks, bags, muscles). 腫れた (hareta) is specifically for swelling caused by injury or illness (eyes, ankles). Do not use 腫れた for a bulging suitcase.
泣いて目が腫れた。
My eyes are swollen from crying.
ポケットが膨らんでいる。
My pocket is bulging.
English 'bulging' is often translated as 膨らんだ, but in many contexts a more specific word or phrase is natural. For example, 'bulging muscles' is 盛り上がった筋肉 (moriagatta kinniku), not 膨らんだ筋肉, which sounds odd.
Medical term for exophthalmos or protruding eyes.
眼球突出の症状
symptoms of bulging eyes