Translation guide
The English word 'bulk' can refer to large size, large quantity, the main part of something, or buying in large amounts. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Describing something that is physically large, massive, or takes up a lot of space.
An intransitive verb meaning 'to be bulky' or 'to take up space'. Often used for objects that are inconveniently large.
This luggage is bulky, so it's hard to carry around.
The general word for 'big' or 'large'. Can be used for physical size, but doesn't specifically imply bulkiness.
Means 'huge' or 'gigantic'. Used for extremely large things, often with a sense of awe.
That ship has a huge bulk.
Referring to a large amount of something, often in the context of buying, selling, or storing.
Referring to the majority or the largest portion of something.
Referring to dietary fiber that adds bulk to stool.
The loanword バルク is mainly used in technical or business contexts (e.g., バルク品). For everyday situations like buying groceries in bulk, use 大量に or まとめて.
大量 emphasizes the large quantity, while まとめて emphasizes doing things together or in one go. まとめて買う implies buying everything at once, not necessarily a huge amount.
この箱は大きいけど、中身は少ない。
This box is big, but there isn't much inside.
Noun meaning 'large quantity' or 'mass'. Commonly used in phrases like 大量に (in bulk) or 大量生産 (mass production).
It's cheaper if you buy in bulk.
Process a bulk of data.
Adverb meaning 'all together' or 'in a batch'. Often used when buying or doing things in bulk to save time or money.
If you order in bulk, shipping is free.
Loanword from English, used in technical or business contexts (e.g., bulk cargo, bulk buying). Not common in everyday speech.
Bulk items have simple packaging.
Noun meaning 'most' or 'the greater part'. Used to indicate that something constitutes the bulk of a whole.
The bulk of the work is already done.
Similar to 大部分, meaning 'majority' or 'more than half'. Slightly more formal.
The bulk of the participants were students.
The standard term for 'dietary fiber'. Often mentioned in health contexts.
Dietary fiber adds bulk to stool.