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.
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.
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.
Referring to the majority or the largest portion of something.
Referring to dietary fiber that adds bulk to stool.
The standard term for 'dietary fiber'. Often mentioned in health contexts.
Dietary fiber 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.
This box is big, but there isn't much inside.
Process a bulk of data.
バルク品は包装が簡易です。
Bulk items have simple packaging.
参加者の大半は学生だった。
The bulk of the participants were students.