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.
His cheeks are bulging.
a bulging envelope
Emphasizes something sticking out or protruding, often in a more pointed or abrupt way than 膨らんだ.
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.
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.
My eye is bulging/swollen.
A casual, onomatopoeic word for something stretched tight or bulging, like a full stomach or overstuffed bag.
Refers to expansion or swelling due to heat, gas, or other physical forces. Often used in scientific contexts.
a bulging tire
Describing a container that is so full its sides are pushing outward.
Describing eyes that protrude, often due to surprise, fear, or a medical condition.
Describing something metaphorically bulging with contents, like a schedule or a wallet full of money.
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.
My eyes are swollen from crying.
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.
a bulging suitcase
He has bulging eyes.
Medical term for exophthalmos or protruding eyes.
symptoms of bulging eyes