Translation guide
A cannonball is a heavy metal ball shot from a cannon. In Japanese, the term is straightforward, but there are also related words for cannon fire and projectiles.
砲弾
cannonball (projectile)
The solid iron ball fired from a cannon, especially in historical contexts.
General term for a cannonball or artillery shell. Can refer to both solid shot and explosive shells.
城壁に砲弾が命中した。
A cannonball hit the castle wall.
Specifically a round shot, emphasizing the spherical shape. Used in historical or technical contexts.
この博物館には江戸時代の丸弾が展示されている。
This museum displays round cannonballs from the Edo period.
Loanword from English, used in specific contexts like sports (e.g., cannonball dive) or as a proper noun. Not the standard term for historical ammunition.
For historical solid iron balls, 砲弾 (ほうだん) is the most natural choice. In modern military contexts, 砲弾 can also refer to artillery shells, which may be explosive. If you need to specify a non-explosive round ball, use 丸弾 (まるだま).
彼はプールにキャノンボールで飛び込んだ。
He jumped into the pool with a cannonball.