Translation guide
A firearm is a portable gun, such as a pistol, rifle, or shotgun. In Japanese, the general term is 銃 (じゅう), but specific types and contexts require different words.
To refer to a firearm in general, without specifying the type.
The most common and general word for 'gun' or 'firearm'. Can be used for pistols, rifles, etc.
彼は銃を所持していた。
He was carrying a firearm.
Gun violence is a problem.
A more technical or formal term for 'firearm', often used in legal or military contexts.
The use of firearms is strictly restricted.
An older or colloquial term for 'gun', originally referring to matchlock guns. Now can sound historical or rustic.
Samurai of old used firearms.
To refer specifically to a handgun, such as a pistol or revolver.
The standard word for 'handgun' or 'pistol'. Used in police and legal contexts.
Police officers carry handguns.
A common loanword for 'pistol'. Slightly more casual than 拳銃, but widely understood.
Loanword for 'handgun', used in some contexts but less common than 拳銃 or ピストル.
He is a handgun collector.
To refer to a long-barreled firearm, such as a rifle or shotgun.
The standard loanword for 'rifle'. Used for both military and sporting rifles.
The soldier aimed his rifle.
The technical term for 'shotgun'. Often used in legal or hunting contexts.
Loanword for 'shotgun', common in casual or media contexts.
A somewhat dated term for 'rifle' or 'small arm', used in military history contexts.
To refer to a fully automatic firearm.
To refer to a fake or toy gun.
Refers to a model gun or replica firearm, often used by collectors or in displays.
I was shown a collection of replica firearms.
Literally 'toy gun'. Common for children's toys.
The child is playing with a toy gun.
Airsoft gun or air gun, often used in sports or hobbies.
While 火器 is a correct translation, it sounds technical and is rarely used in everyday conversation. Stick to 銃 for general references.
Many specific firearm types are formed by adding 銃 to a descriptor, e.g., 拳銃 (handgun), 機関銃 (machine gun), 散弾銃 (shotgun). This pattern is productive and widely understood.
The suspect fired a handgun.
西部劇ではピストルがよく使われる。
Pistols are often used in Westerns.
I bought a hunting rifle.
Shotguns are used for clay shooting.
映画でショットガンを見た。
I saw a shotgun in the movie.
小銃の訓練を受けた。
I received rifle training.
ギャングがマシンガンを乱射した。
The gangsters fired machine guns wildly.
エアガンでサバイバルゲームをする。
We play survival games with airsoft guns.