Translation guide
A small grain or particle. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 粒 (つぶ), but the specific term depends on context, such as size, material, or scientific usage.
To refer to a small, often roundish particle of something, like grains of sand, sugar, or rice.
The most common and versatile word for a small grain or granule. Used for grains of rice, sand, sugar, etc. Can also be used as a counter (粒).
砂の粒が靴に入った。
A grain of sand got into my shoe.
This sugar has fine granules.
A more technical or formal term for granules, often used in scientific, medical, or pharmaceutical contexts.
Take the medicine in granule form.
To refer to a small pill or granule of medicine.
Standard term for medicinal granules. Often used in phrases like 顆粒剤 (granule preparation).
Please dissolve these granules in water and drink.
Can be used informally for small medicinal granules, but 顆粒 is more precise in medical contexts.
To refer to a granule on the sun's surface or a small particle in geological contexts.
To refer to small particles within cells or biological structures.
粒 (つぶ) is the everyday word for small grains or particles, while 顆粒 (かりゅう) is a technical term used in science, medicine, and formal writing. Use 粒 for general contexts and 顆粒 when precision is needed.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers rarely use a direct equivalent of 'granule.' Instead, they use 粒 (つぶ) or describe the substance. For example, 'sugar granules' is simply 砂糖 (さとう) or 砂糖の粒 (さとうのつぶ).
I took some cold medicine granules.
Observe the rock granules under a microscope.
Starch granules are visible.