Translation guide
A light at the back of a vehicle, bicycle, or other object. In Japanese, the term depends on the specific function and context.
The red light on the back of a car, truck, or motorcycle that illuminates when headlights are on.
Common loanword for 'tail lamp', used for the rear position lights on cars and motorcycles.
The tail light is out.
Formal or technical term for 'tail light', often used in vehicle regulations or manuals.
The tail light must be red.
Another loanword, often used for bicycles or aftermarket parts.
Turn on the bicycle's rear light.
The bright red light that comes on when the driver presses the brake pedal.
A small light attached to the back of a bicycle for visibility.
A passive reflector on the back of a vehicle or bicycle, not a light itself.
テールランプ (tail lamp) refers to the constantly lit rear position light, while ブレーキランプ (brake lamp) is the brighter light that activates when braking. In casual speech, テールランプ may be used loosely for the entire rear light assembly.
The tail light is on, but the brake light doesn't work.
English 'rear light' specifically means a light at the back. The Japanese バックライト (back light) usually refers to a backlight for displays or a reversing light on a vehicle. For a reversing light, use バックランプ or 後退灯 (こうたいとう).
This rear light is waterproof.
The reflector is dirty.