Translation guide
A tub is a large open container, often used for bathing, washing, or storage. In Japanese, the word depends on the type and use.
A large container for bathing, especially in a bathroom.
Standard word for bathtub, especially the fixture itself. Used in homes and apartments.
A big open container used for holding water, washing clothes, or storing items like food.
A shallow, round tub traditionally used for washing clothes or bathing. Often made of wood or plastic.
A small, often plastic or cardboard container for food like ice cream, margarine, or yogurt.
General word for container. When context is clear, it can mean a tub of food. Often combined with the food name.
浴槽 refers to the physical bathtub, while 湯船 emphasizes the tub filled with hot water. Use 湯船 when talking about the act of bathing, and 浴槽 when discussing the fixture itself (e.g., cleaning, size).
The loanword タブ (tab) usually means 'tab' in computing or a flap, not a bathtub. Use バスタブ or 浴槽.
浴槽にお湯をためる。
I fill the bathtub with hot water.
この浴槽は広いですね。
This bathtub is spacious, isn't it?
Loanword from English, commonly used in everyday conversation. Slightly more casual than 浴槽.
バスタブを掃除した。
I cleaned the bathtub.
Literally 'hot water boat', refers to the bathtub filled with hot water, emphasizing the bathing experience. Often used in the phrase 湯船につかる (soak in the tub).
ゆっくり湯船につかりたい。
I want to soak in the tub and relax.
たらいで洗濯する。
I wash clothes in a tub.
A wooden or plastic bucket/tub, often used for carrying water or storing food like miso. Deeper than たらい.
味噌は桶に保存する。
Miso is stored in a tub.
Bucket, often used as a general-purpose tub for cleaning or carrying water. More common in modern contexts.
バケツに水をくむ。
I draw water into a tub/bucket.
アイスクリームの容器を捨てる。
I throw away the ice cream tub.
Cup, but used for small tubs of yogurt, pudding, etc. Not for large tubs.
ヨーグルトのカップをリサイクルする。
I recycle the yogurt tub.
Pack, often used for tubs of margarine or butter. Implies a sealed container.
マーガリンのパックを開ける。
I open the tub of margarine.