Translation guide
The English word 'pump' can be a noun (a device for moving fluids) or a verb (to move fluid, inflate, or move rhythmically). This guide covers common Japanese equivalents organized by meaning.
Referring to a machine that moves fluids, such as a water pump, fuel pump, or air pump.
The most common and general word for a pump. A loanword from English, used in everyday and technical contexts.
このポンプは水をくみ上げるのに使います。
This pump is used to draw water.
ガソリンポンプが故障した。
The fuel pump broke down.
Specifically a water pump for lifting water, often used in wells or drainage.
揚水ポンプで井戸から水を汲む。
Draw water from the well with a water pump.
A hand or foot pump for inflating tires, balls, etc. Literally 'air inserter'.
自転車のタイヤに空気入れで空気を入れた。
I pumped up the bicycle tire with a pump.
The action of using a pump to transfer fluids, such as pumping water or air.
The standard way to say 'pump (liquid)' using the verb 汲む (to draw/pump water).
井戸から水をポンプで汲んだ。
I pumped water from the well.
Emphasizes sending or transferring fluid through pipes.
石油をパイプラインでポンプで送る。
Pump oil through a pipeline.
To pump up or draw up (water). Often used without explicitly saying 'pump' if context is clear.
To fill with air using a pump.
The most natural way to say 'pump up' a tire or ball. Literally 'put in air'.
タイヤに空気を入れてください。
Please pump up the tires.
To inflate, but more general (balloons, etc.). Can be used with a pump or by mouth.
ボールをポンプで膨らませた。
I pumped up the ball.
Describing a pumping motion, like a handle or during exercise.
General phrase for moving something up and down, like a pump handle.
彼はハンドルを上下に動かした。
He pumped the handle up and down.
Loanword from English 'pumping', used in fitness contexts (e.g., pumping iron) or technical descriptions.
彼はジムでポンピングしている。
He's pumping iron at the gym.
To invest or supply a large amount of money or effort.
Formal phrase for 'pump money into'. Literally 'inject funds'.
政府はそのプロジェクトに多額の資金を投入した。
The government pumped a large amount of money into the project.
Casual verb meaning to pour/invest money or effort into something.
彼は事業に全財産をつぎ込んだ。
He pumped all his money into the business.
A woman's high-heeled shoe without fastenings.
The standard Japanese word for this type of shoe. Note the plural form is used as singular.
彼女は黒いパンプスを履いている。
She is wearing black pumps.
The English word 'pumps' (shoes) is パンプス in Japanese, not ポンプ. ポンプ only refers to the mechanical device.
地下水をくみ上げる。
Pump up groundwater.