Translation guide
The outer edge of a round object, such as a wheel, cup, or glasses frame.
The outer circular part of a wheel that holds the tire.
The most common and direct translation for 'rim' in the context of wheels, especially car or bicycle wheels. It's a loanword from English.
自転車のリムが曲がってしまった。
The bicycle rim got bent.
I have to buy a new rim.
Often used interchangeably with 'rim' in casual contexts, but technically refers to the entire wheel assembly including the rim. Common in car and bicycle talk.
I replaced the wheels (rims).
A literal, descriptive phrase meaning 'edge of a wheel'. Rarely used in everyday speech; more technical or explanatory.
The rim of the wheel is rusty.
The top circular edge of a drinking vessel or bowl.
The general word for the rim or edge of a container like a cup, glass, or bowl. Very common and natural.
There's lipstick on the rim of the glass.
The rim of the rice bowl chipped.
Literally 'mouth', but often used to refer to the rim or opening of a container, especially when drinking or pouring. More common in certain phrases.
The English loanword 'rim' is sometimes used for cups or glasses, especially in product descriptions or fashion contexts, but it's less natural than 縁.
The frame surrounding the lenses of eyeglasses.
The standard word for the frame of glasses, including the rim part. When specifying the rim, you can say フレームの縁, but usually just フレーム is enough.
These glasses have thick rims.
Can be used specifically for the rim part of glasses, often in combination with メガネ (e.g., メガネの縁). More precise than フレーム when emphasizing the edge.
Used in the term 'rimless glasses' (リムレスメガネ) or sometimes for the rim itself, but not as common as フレーム or 縁.
The projecting edge of a hat, also called the brim.
The standard word for the brim or rim of a hat. Note that English sometimes distinguishes 'rim' and 'brim', but Japanese uses つば for both.
He walks with the rim of his hat pulled down.
This hat has a wide rim.
Can also be used for the rim of a hat, but つば is more specific and common. 縁 is more general 'edge'.
The raised edge surrounding a crater, volcano, or similar depression.
Used for the rim of a crater or similar natural feature. Often combined with the specific noun, e.g., 火口の縁 (crater rim).
We climbed up to the rim of the crater.
Sometimes used in geological or technical contexts as a loanword, but 縁 is more natural.
The metal ring of a basketball hoop.
縁 is the native Japanese word for the edge or rim of any object, especially containers, glasses, and geographical features. リム is a loanword from English and is most natural for wheel rims and some technical or fashion contexts. For everyday items like cups and bowls, 縁 is preferred. For car/bicycle wheels, リム is standard.
While リム is understood, using it for non-wheel contexts like cups or hats can sound unnatural or overly technical. Stick to 縁 or specific terms like つば for hats.
Don't drink directly from the rim of the bottle.
This glass has a thin rim and is easy to drink from.
You can choose the color of the rims.
The rim of the glasses is bent.
Rimless glasses are in fashion.
The rim of the hat is frayed.
The rim of the crater is clearly visible.
The rim broke from the dunk.