Translation guide
The English word 'bullet' refers to a projectile fired from a gun. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 弾丸 (dangan) or 弾 (tama). This guide covers how to express 'bullet' in various contexts, from literal ammunition to metaphorical uses like 'bullet points' or 'bite the bullet.'
A small metal projectile fired from a gun.
The standard, formal word for 'bullet.' Used in news, technical, and military contexts.
弾丸が壁を貫通した。
The bullet penetrated the wall.
A common, slightly more casual word for 'bullet' or 'ammunition.' Often used in compounds.
弾が切れた。
I ran out of bullets.
Specifically a 'gun bullet,' emphasizing the firearm. Common in crime reports.
現場から銃弾が発見された。
Bullets were found at the scene.
Live ammunition, as opposed to blanks. Used in military or police contexts.
訓練では実弾を使用しない。
We don't use live bullets in training.
A typographical symbol used to introduce items in a list.
Literally 'bullet point' or 'itemized dot.' The most direct translation.
箇条書きの点を使ってリストを作ってください。
Please make a list using bullet points.
Loanword from English, commonly used in design and computing contexts.
このビュレットの色を変えたい。
I want to change the color of this bullet.
The Japanese middle dot (・), often used as a bullet point or separator.
Idiomatic expressions involving 'bullet' in English, such as 'bite the bullet' or 'magic bullet.'
Equivalent to 'bite the bullet,' meaning to endure a painful situation with resolve.
痛いのは分かっているけど、覚悟を決めて歯医者に行く。
I know it will hurt, but I'll bite the bullet and go to the dentist.
A 'magic bullet' or 'silver bullet' — a simple, miraculous solution to a complex problem.
貧困問題に特効薬はない。
There is no magic bullet for poverty.
Simile meaning 'as fast as a bullet.' Used in descriptive language.
彼は弾丸のように速く走った。
He ran as fast as a bullet.
弾丸 (dangan) only means a physical bullet. For bullet points in a document, use 箇条書きの点 or ビュレット.
Use the counter 発 (はつ) for bullets: 一発 (いっぱつ, one bullet), 二発 (にはつ, two bullets), etc.
弾丸が的に当たった。
The bullet hit the target.
Please separate the items with a middle dot.