Translation guide
The English word 'bump' covers several distinct meanings: a light collision, a raised area on a surface, a minor injury swelling, and various idiomatic uses. This guide focuses on the most common physical meanings for learners.
To hit or knock against something lightly, often accidentally.
General verb for colliding or bumping into something. Can be used for people, objects, or vehicles.
A small raised part on an otherwise flat surface, like a bump on a road or a lump on an object.
Refers to a raised area or protrusion, often used in technical or descriptive contexts.
A raised, swollen area on the body caused by a hit or injury.
The katakana word バンプ is mainly used in specific contexts like 'bumper' (バンパー) or in brand names. It is not a natural translation for the physical meanings of 'bump'.
I bumped into someone.
The bicycle bumped into the wall.
Transitive verb meaning to bump or knock something against something else. Often used for body parts.
I bumped my head on the shelf.
Intransitive verb for hitting or striking something, often with a lighter nuance than ぶつかる. Can also mean to be exposed to something.
The ball bumped against the window.
Explicitly adds 'lightly' to emphasize a minor bump.
He lightly bumped into me and apologized.
There is a bump on the road.
Common word for a lump or bump, often used for swellings on the body or knots on trees.
There is a bump on the tree trunk.
Casual term for a protrusion or bump, often used for something sticking out.
This desk has a bump that gets in the way.
Specifically a bump or goose egg on the head from a blow.
I fell and got a bump on my forehead.
General word for a lump or swelling, can be used for injury bumps anywhere on the body.
I bumped my arm and got a lump.