Translation guide
A weapon that releases smaller submunitions over a wide area. In Japanese, the most common term is クラスター爆弾, a direct loanword. There are also technical or descriptive terms used in military or news contexts.
The standard, widely understood term for a cluster bomb in news, everyday conversation, and general writing.
The most common and neutral term. Used in news reports, documentaries, and general discussion.
The use of cluster bombs is internationally condemned.
A more technical or formal term, sometimes used in military contexts or older documents. Less common in everyday language.
Cluster bombs scatter submunitions over a wide area.
A shorter form of クラスター爆弾, often used in headlines or informal contexts. Still widely understood.
Many countries signed the treaty banning cluster munitions.
Referring specifically to the small bombs released by a cluster bomb, rather than the whole weapon.
The broader category of weapons that includes cluster bombs, often used in legal or diplomatic contexts.
Translates to 'cluster weapon' or 'cluster munition'. Used in treaties and official documents.
The Convention on Cluster Munitions entered into force.
クラスター爆弾 is a direct loan from English and is the most natural choice in almost all contexts. The kanji-based term 集束爆弾 is understood but can sound stiff or overly technical.
Do not attempt to translate 'cluster bomb' word-for-word into Japanese as 群れ爆弾 or similar. Such expressions are not used and would not be understood.
Many small bombs are released from the cluster bomb.