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.
この砂糖は粒が細かい。
This sugar has fine granules.
A more technical or formal term for granules, often used in scientific, medical, or pharmaceutical contexts.
顆粒状の薬を服用する。
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).
この顆粒は水に溶かして飲んでください。
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.
風邪薬の粒を飲んだ。
I took some cold medicine granules.
To refer to a granule on the sun's surface or a small particle in geological contexts.
Specifically refers to solar granules (granulation on the sun's surface).
太陽の表面には粒状斑が見られる。
Granules can be seen on the surface of the sun.
Can be used in geology for small rock or mineral particles, but less specific than 粒状斑 for solar granules.
To refer to small particles within cells or biological structures.
Used in biology for intracellular granules, such as starch granules or secretory granules.
細胞内に顆粒が存在する。
Granules are present inside the cell.
May be used in less formal contexts, but 顆粒 is preferred in scientific writing.
でんぷんの粒が見える。
Starch granules are visible.
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).
Observe the rock granules under a microscope.