Translation guide
The English word 'drum' can refer to a musical instrument, a cylindrical container, or the act of hitting something rhythmically. This guide covers the most common Japanese equivalents for each meaning, from musical drums to oil drums and drumming fingers.
A percussion instrument, typically a drum kit or a traditional Japanese drum.
The most common word for a drum set or modern drum kit. Often used in the context of bands and popular music.
He is playing the drums.
The drum sound is loud.
Refers to traditional Japanese drums, such as taiko. Can also be used generically for any drum, but often implies a traditional or hand-held drum.
Specifically a drum kit or drum set, emphasizing the collection of drums and cymbals.
A large cylindrical container, often made of metal or plastic, used for storing liquids or other materials.
The standard term for a metal or plastic drum container, like an oil drum.
There is gasoline in the drum.
A general word for 'can' or 'tin', but can be used for drums in context, especially smaller ones. Often combined with a material or content word.
The sound of drumming, or the act of tapping or beating rhythmically, such as drumming fingers or rain drumming.
Uses the onomatopoeia 'tonton' for a light tapping sound, often used for drumming fingers or a light knocking.
He drummed his fingers on the desk.
I hear the rain drumming on the roof.
A loanword from English, used in musical contexts to refer to the act of drumming or a drumming technique.
A part of a machine that is cylindrical, such as a brake drum or a drum in a printer.
Used in technical contexts for cylindrical machine parts, like a brake drum or a rotating drum.
The brake drum needs to be replaced.
The washing machine drum won't spin.
Use ドラム for modern drum sets in bands. Use 太鼓 for traditional Japanese drums or when the type of drum is not specified but has a traditional feel. ドラムセット specifically means a drum kit.
rock band drums
Japanese taiko drum
While ドラム can mean a cylindrical container, it's usually part of a compound like ドラム缶. Using ドラム alone for a container might be ambiguous; it's safer to use ドラム缶 for oil drums and similar large containers.
He plays the drums in a band.
The rain drummed on the roof all night.
We need to dispose of these chemical drums safely.
祭りで太鼓を叩いた。
I played the taiko drum at the festival.
The drum performance began.
I bought a new drum set.
I recycled the empty drum.
Carry the oil drum.
His drumming is amazing.