Translation guide
The English word 'lump' can refer to a solid mass, a swelling on the body, or be used figuratively. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Describing a shapeless mass or chunk of a substance, like sugar, clay, or coal.
The most common word for a lump, mass, or clump of something. Can be used for both concrete and abstract masses.
There are lumps of sugar.
He kneaded a lump of clay.
Often interchangeable with 塊, but can emphasize the state of being hardened or solidified.
A blood clot formed.
Referring to a lump under the skin, such as from an injury or a medical condition.
Common word for a bump or swelling, especially from a blow or injury. Also used for a hump or knob.
I got a lump on my head.
He fell and got a lump on his knee.
Refers to a lump or mass inside the body, often used in medical contexts (e.g., a tumor or hardened tissue).
General word for swelling, which may appear as a lump. Often used for inflammation.
Describing a single payment of a total amount, rather than installments.
Means 'lump-sum payment' or 'payment in full'. Commonly used in financial contexts.
There is a discount if you pay in a lump sum.
Adverb meaning 'all together' or 'in one go'. Can be used with verbs like 払う (pay) to indicate a lump sum.
I paid the money in a lump sum.
Expressing the idea of putting different things into one category without distinction.
Means 'to lump together' or 'to bundle into one group'. Often used when combining items or ideas.
Please don't lump those issues together.
Idiomatic expression meaning 'to lump together' or 'to treat as the same', often with a negative connotation of oversimplification.
Informally calling someone a lump as an insult, implying they are slow or useless.
Describing the sensation of having a lump in one's throat when about to cry or feeling strong emotion.
Literally 'chest feels tight', used to express being choked up with emotion. Equivalent to 'have a lump in one's throat'.
I was so moved I had a lump in my throat.
Literally 'throat feels tight', similar to 胸が詰まる but more directly referencing the throat.
I was so sad I had a lump in my throat.
塊 (かたまり) is the general term for a lump or mass. 固まり (かたまり) often implies something that has solidified or hardened. In many contexts they are interchangeable, but 固まり can emphasize the process of becoming solid.
Do not translate 'lump in my throat' literally as のどの塊. Use idiomatic expressions like 胸が詰まる or のどが詰まる instead.
I felt a lump in my breast.
I had a doctor check the lump.
The swelling from the bug bite is bad.
He lumped all opposing opinions together.
彼はまったくの役立たずだ。
He's a complete lump.