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.
クラスター爆弾の使用は国際的に非難されている。
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.
集束爆弾は広範囲に子爆弾を散布する。
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.
クラスター弾の禁止条約に多くの国が署名した。
Many countries signed the treaty banning cluster munitions.
Referring specifically to the small bombs released by a cluster bomb, rather than the whole weapon.
Literally 'child bomb', the standard term for the submunitions or bomblets inside a cluster bomb.
不発の子爆弾が今も危険をもたらしている。
Unexploded submunitions still pose a danger today.
A more generic term meaning 'small bomb'. Can be used to describe submunitions but is less specific than 子爆弾.
クラスター爆弾から多数の小型爆弾が放出される。
Many small bombs are released from the cluster bomb.
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.
クラスター兵器禁止条約が発効した。
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.