Translation guide
The English word "tube" can refer to a cylindrical object, a container, a pipe, an anatomical structure, or even the London Underground. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese word based on the specific meaning.
A long, hollow cylinder used for conveying liquids or gases, or as a structural part.
General word for tube, pipe, or duct. Often used in compound words.
水道の管が破裂した。
The water pipe burst.
This tube carries gas.
Loanword from English, used for flexible tubes (e.g., rubber, plastic) or tube-shaped containers.
I bought a tube of toothpaste.
I cut the rubber tube.
Often used for rigid pipes, especially in plumbing or smoking pipes.
The drain pipe is clogged.
A soft, squeezable container for pastes, gels, or creams.
The standard word for a tube of toothpaste, ointment, etc.
I used up this tube completely.
A tubular structure in the body, like a bronchial tube or fallopian tube.
Used in medical/anatomical terms, often in compounds.
Food went into my windpipe.
The fallopian tube is blocked.
The inflatable tube inside a tire.
Specifically the inner tube of a bicycle or vehicle tire.
The bicycle inner tube got a flat.
The subway system in London, commonly called "the Tube".
Slang for a television set, from cathode ray tube.
The standard word for TV. The English slang "the tube" is not directly translated; use テレビ.
He watches the tube all day.
チューブ is mainly for flexible or container-like tubes. For rigid pipes, use 管 (くだ) or パイプ. For anatomical tubes, use 管 (かん) in compounds.
In London, it's convenient to take the Tube.