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.
The bullet penetrated the wall.
A common, slightly more casual word for 'bullet' or 'ammunition.' Often used in compounds.
I ran out of bullets.
Specifically a 'gun bullet,' emphasizing the firearm. Common in crime reports.
Bullets were found at the scene.
Live ammunition, as opposed to blanks. Used in military or police contexts.
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.
Please make a list using bullet points.
Loanword from English, commonly used in design and computing contexts.
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.'
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.
The bullet hit the target.
He was killed by a stray bullet.
流れ弾 (nagaredama) means 'stray bullet.'
このビュレットの色を変えたい。
I want to change the color of this bullet.
項目は中黒で区切ってください。
Please separate the items with a middle dot.
A 'magic bullet' or 'silver bullet' — a simple, miraculous solution to a complex problem.
There is no magic bullet for poverty.
He ran as fast as a bullet.