Translation guide
A rifle is a long-barreled firearm designed for accurate shooting. In Japanese, the most common word is ライフル, but other terms exist for specific types or contexts.
The learner wants to refer to a rifle in a general, everyday context.
The most common and general word for 'rifle'. Used in everyday conversation, news, and casual contexts.
The learner wants to refer to a specific kind of rifle, such as a sniper rifle or assault rifle.
Sniper rifle. Used in military and police contexts.
狙撃銃で遠くの標的を狙う。
Aim at a distant target with a sniper rifle.
The learner wants to express the action of shooting or handling a rifle.
To shoot a rifle. The most natural way to say 'fire a rifle'.
彼はライフルを撃った。
He fired the rifle.
To aim or hold a rifle in a ready position. Used when preparing to shoot.
While 銃 (じゅう) means 'gun', it is a broad term. Using ライフル is more precise for a rifle. In contexts where the type of gun is clear, 銃 can be used, but ライフル is preferred for clarity.
彼は銃を持っている。
He has a gun. (Could be any firearm)
彼はライフルを持っている。
He has a rifle.
ライフルの弾丸が壁に当たった。
The rifle bullet hit the wall.
A more formal or military term for 'rifle'. Often used in official contexts, military documents, or historical references.
兵士たちは小銃を装備していた。
The soldiers were equipped with rifles.
Literally 'rifle gun'. Redundant but sometimes used for clarity, especially when distinguishing from other types of guns.
このライフル銃は非常に正確だ。
This rifle is very accurate.
Automatic rifle. Refers to rifles capable of automatic fire.
自動小銃は連射が可能だ。
Automatic rifles can fire in bursts.
Air rifle. Uses compressed air to fire pellets. Common in shooting sports.
彼は空気銃で的を撃った。
He shot the target with an air rifle.
兵士はライフルを構えて待っていた。
The soldier waited with his rifle at the ready.
To clean or maintain a rifle. Used in contexts of gun care.
彼は毎日ライフルを手入れする。
He cleans his rifle every day.