Translation guide
A tail lamp is a red light at the rear of a vehicle, used to signal presence, braking, or turning. In Japanese, the most common term is テールランプ, but other words exist depending on context.
The red light on the back of a car, motorcycle, or bicycle that is always on when headlights are on.
The most common and general term for 'tail lamp' in Japanese. Used for cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles.
テールランプが切れている。
The tail lamp is out.
A more technical or formal term, often used in vehicle regulations or manuals.
尾灯は赤色でなければならない。
The tail lamp must be red.
Refers to the entire rear light assembly, which may include tail lamp, brake lamp, and turn signal. Often used in car parts contexts.
リアランプを交換する。
Replace the rear lamp assembly.
The red light that brightens when the brake is applied.
Specifically the brake light. In many vehicles, this is integrated with the tail lamp but is a separate function.
ブレーキランプが点かない。
The brake light doesn't come on.
A formal, legal term for brake light, used in vehicle inspection standards.
制動灯の輝度を確認する。
Check the brightness of the brake lights.
The red light on the back of a bicycle, often battery-powered.
Commonly used for bicycle tail lights. Can also be used for motorcycles.
自転車のテールライトを点滅させる。
Make the bicycle tail light flash.
Also used for bicycles, especially in formal contexts like traffic rules.
夜間は尾灯を点灯しなければならない。
At night, the tail lamp must be turned on.
テールランプ is the everyday word. 尾灯 is formal and often appears in legal texts. リアランプ refers to the whole rear light cluster, including turn signals and brake lights.
For bicycles, テールライト is very common. 尾灯 is also correct but sounds more official.