Translation guide
The explosive powder used in firearms, fireworks, and historical weapons. In Japanese, the most common word is 火薬 (kayaku), but there are also specific historical and technical terms.
The standard term for gunpowder as a substance, used in modern contexts like firearms, ammunition, and fireworks.
The most common and general word for gunpowder or explosive powder. Used in both everyday and technical contexts.
There was a smell of gunpowder.
You need a license to handle gunpowder.
Specifically the old-style black powder used in matchlock guns, cannons, and early firearms in Japanese history.
Modern gunpowder used in cartridges, which produces little smoke.
Smokeless powder. The standard term in firearms and military contexts.
Modern ammunition uses smokeless powder.
Used figuratively to describe a volatile or dangerous atmosphere.
火薬 (kayaku) generally refers to propellants and low explosives like gunpowder, while 爆薬 (bakuyaku) refers to high explosives like dynamite or TNT. For 'gunpowder', always use 火薬.
The method of making gunpowder was kept secret.
A four-character idiom meaning 'a touch and it will explode', describing a situation that could erupt at any moment. Not a direct translation of 'gunpowder', but conveys the same idea.
The meeting room had a powder-keg atmosphere.