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.
テールランプが切れている。
The tail light is out.
Formal or technical term for 'tail light', often used in vehicle regulations or manuals.
尾灯は赤色でなければならない。
The tail light must be red.
Another loanword, often used for bicycles or aftermarket parts.
自転車のリアライトを点灯する。
Turn on the bicycle's rear light.
The bright red light that comes on when the driver presses the brake pedal.
Standard term for 'brake light'.
ブレーキランプが点かない。
The brake light doesn't come on.
Technical term used in vehicle inspection or legal contexts.
制動灯の輝度を測定する。
Measure the brightness of the brake light.
A small light attached to the back of a bicycle for visibility.
Commonly used for bicycle tail lights, especially in safety contexts.
夜間は尾灯を点けましょう。
Turn on your rear light at night.
Casual term often used by cyclists.
リアライトの電池が切れた。
The rear light battery died.
A passive reflector on the back of a vehicle or bicycle, not a light itself.
General term for reflector, often used for the red rear reflector on bicycles.
自転車の後ろに反射板を付ける。
Attach a reflector to the back of the bicycle.
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.
テールランプは点いているけど、ブレーキランプが点かない。
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).
Also used for bicycles, similar to 'tail light'.
このテールライトは防水です。
This rear light is waterproof.
Loanword 'reflector', common in cycling and automotive contexts.
リフレクターが汚れている。
The reflector is dirty.