Translation guide
The English word 'bursting' can describe something suddenly breaking open from internal pressure, being extremely full, or a sudden onset of an action or emotion. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these different meanings.
The balloon burst.
The pipe burst and water gushed out.
Means 'to explode' rather than just burst; implies a violent release of energy, often with fire or loud noise.
The gas pipe burst/exploded.
Literally 'to tear from being stretched'; used for something bursting under tension, or metaphorically for a heart bursting with emotion.
My heart is about to burst.
To describe being so full of something (liquid, people, emotion) that it seems about to overflow or break.
A versatile pattern meaning 'full of ~'. Can be used for physical fullness or emotions.
The venue is bursting with people.
She was bursting with joy.
Means 'overflowing with ~', often used for emotions or a place filled with people/things.
His eyes were bursting with tears.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'about to burst', often used for clothes that are too tight or a feeling of being stuffed.
My stomach is about to burst.
Means 'full to capacity', used for containers or spaces. Not typically used for emotions.
To describe a sudden, uncontrollable onset of an action or state.
A general pattern meaning 'to suddenly start doing ~'. Can be used for laughing, crying, etc.
She burst out laughing.
The child burst into tears.
Means 'to burst into laughter' or 'roar with laughter'. More intense than just laughing.
The audience burst into laughter.
Literally 'fire catches', used for something bursting into flames.
The car suddenly burst into flames.
An onomatopoeic expression for suddenly bursting into loud crying.
She burst into tears.
To describe entering a place suddenly and forcefully.
Means 'to jump/dive into', often used for bursting into a room or water.
He burst into the room.
Means 'to force one's way in', often used for burglary or intruding.
Means 'to barge in' or 'trespass', often used for interrupting an event.
Fans burst onto the stage.
English uses 'bursting' in many idiomatic ways (e.g., 'bursting with pride'). Direct translation often sounds unnatural. Use the patterns above based on the intended meaning.
破裂 (rupture) is for bursting due to internal pressure without fire/explosion (balloon, pipe). 爆発 (explosion) implies a violent blast with fire or shockwave (bomb, gas).
The market is bursting with energy.
このズボンははちきれそうだ。
These pants are bursting at the seams.
バケツは水で満杯だ。
The bucket is bursting with water.
強盗が家に押し入った。
The robber burst into the house.