Translation guide
Describes a hole made by a bullet. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this is 弾痕 (だんこん), a specific term for bullet marks or holes. For more casual or descriptive contexts, phrases like 銃弾の穴 (じゅうだんのあな) are used. This guide covers the main expressions and their nuances.
To refer to the physical hole left by a bullet in an object or surface.
The standard, concise term for a bullet hole or bullet mark. Commonly used in news reports, formal writing, and technical contexts.
壁に弾痕が残っていた。
Bullet holes remained in the wall.
車にはいくつもの弾痕があった。
The car had several bullet holes.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'hole from a bullet'. Natural in everyday conversation and less formal writing.
窓ガラスに銃弾の穴が開いている。
There's a bullet hole in the window glass.
A casual, shortened version of 銃弾の穴. Often used in informal speech.
壁に弾の穴が開いてる。
There's a bullet hole in the wall.
A technical or literary term for a bullet hole. Rarely used in everyday language; more common in forensic or military contexts.
遺体には複数の弾孔が確認された。
Multiple bullet holes were confirmed on the body.
弾痕 is a single word and sounds more formal or technical. 銃弾の穴 is a phrase that explicitly says 'hole from a bullet' and is easier to understand in casual conversation. Both are correct, but 弾痕 is preferred in writing and news.
Do not directly translate 'bullet hole' as 弾丸の穴 (だんがんのあな). While understandable, it is not a natural collocation in Japanese. Use 弾痕 or 銃弾の穴 instead.