Translation guide
A weapon capable of causing death. In Japanese, the most direct equivalent is 凶器 (kyōki), but the phrase is often used in legal, news, or dramatic contexts. For everyday speech, more specific terms like 武器 (buki) or 刃物 (hamono) are common.
Referring to any weapon that can kill, especially in legal, news, or dramatic contexts.
The standard term for a lethal weapon, often used in crime reports, legal documents, and news. Implies the weapon was used or intended for a crime.
犯人は凶器を持って逃走した。
The suspect fled with a lethal weapon.
凶器はまだ見つかっていない。
The lethal weapon has not been found yet.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'weapon with lethal capability'. Used in technical or military contexts.
この装置は殺傷能力のある武器に分類される。
This device is classified as a lethal weapon.
When you want to say someone had a lethal weapon in a casual or specific context, Japanese speakers usually name the weapon type.
Instead of a generic 'lethal weapon', Japanese often uses the specific item: ナイフ (knife), 拳銃 (pistol), 刃物 (bladed weapon), etc. This sounds more natural in daily speech.
彼はナイフを持っていた。
He had a lethal weapon (a knife).
犯人は刃物で襲ってきた。
The attacker came at me with a lethal weapon (a blade).
General word for 'weapon'. Not necessarily lethal, but context can imply danger. Often used in everyday speech.
何か武器になるものを探した。
I looked for something that could be used as a lethal weapon.
Calling something a 'lethal weapon' metaphorically, e.g., a person's skill, a tool, or a look.
Pattern for 'like a lethal weapon'. Used for hyperbolic comparisons.
彼女の視線はまるで凶器のようだ。
Her gaze is like a lethal weapon.
Means 'murderous' or 'deadly', used figuratively for things like heat, schedule, etc. Not directly 'lethal weapon', but conveys a similar hyperbolic sense.
殺人的なスケジュールだ。
This schedule is a lethal weapon.
Saying 'lethal weapon' as 致命的な武器 (chimeiteki na buki) is grammatically correct but sounds unnatural in conversation. Use 凶器 for crime/news, or name the specific weapon.
凶器 (kyōki) specifically implies a weapon used in a crime or capable of killing, often with a legal nuance. 武器 (buki) is a general term for weapon, not necessarily lethal. In everyday talk, 武器 is more common unless you're discussing a criminal case.