Translation guide
The English word 'cannon' refers to a large mounted gun, historically used in warfare. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 大砲 (taihō), but other terms exist depending on context, such as historical cannons, modern artillery, or figurative uses.
Referring to a cannon as a piece of artillery, typically from historical periods or in general contexts.
The standard word for 'cannon' in Japanese, covering most historical and general uses. It refers to large-caliber guns that fire projectiles using gunpowder.
城には古い大砲が展示されている。
An old cannon is displayed at the castle.
大砲の音が戦場に響き渡った。
The sound of cannons echoed across the battlefield.
A loanword from English 'cannon', often used in historical or military contexts to specify a type of cannon, such as a long-barreled cannon. It is less common than 大砲 but appears in technical or historical descriptions.
このカノン砲は18世紀のものです。
This cannon is from the 18th century.
Referring to a cannon as a modern large-caliber gun, such as those on tanks or ships.
A suffix or standalone word meaning 'gun' or 'cannon' in modern military contexts. Often used in compounds like 戦車砲 (tank gun) or 艦砲 (naval gun).
戦車の主砲は強力だ。
The tank's main cannon is powerful.
艦砲射撃が始まった。
Naval cannon fire began.
Refers to an autocannon or automatic cannon, a rapid-fire weapon. Used in modern military contexts.
Using 'cannon' in a non-literal sense, such as in sports (a powerful shot) or idioms.
In Japanese, 大砲 can be used metaphorically to describe something powerful or explosive, similar to English. For example, a powerful kick in soccer might be called 大砲のようなシュート.
彼のシュートは大砲のようだ。
His shot is like a cannon.
Literally 'to fire a cannon', but can be used figuratively to mean launching a powerful attack or making a strong statement.
彼は会議で大砲を撃った。
He fired a cannon at the meeting (made a strong statement).
Referring specifically to cannons used in Japanese history, such as those introduced by Europeans.
A historical term for a type of cannon used in Japan, particularly during the Sengoku period. It refers to breech-loading swivel guns introduced by the Portuguese.
石火矢は戦国時代に使われた。
Ishibiya were used during the Warring States period.
A nickname for a large cannon used by the Otomo clan, literally meaning 'country destroyer'. It is a specific historical artifact.
国崩しは大友宗麟が使用した大砲だ。
Kunikuzushi is a cannon used by Otomo Sōrin.
大砲 is the general term for historical cannons and large guns. 砲 is a suffix or technical term for modern artillery pieces. Use 大砲 for most everyday references to cannons, and 砲 in military or technical compounds.
English idioms like 'loose cannon' do not translate directly. Instead, use expressions like 手に負えない人 (uncontrollable person) or 暴走する人 (person who runs wild).
大砲が重い弾を発射した。
The cannon fired a heavy ball.
彼らは大砲に火薬を込めた。
They loaded the cannon with gunpowder.
その装甲車は機関砲を装備している。
The armored vehicle is equipped with an autocannon.