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.
The water pipe burst.
この管はガスを通す。
This tube carries gas.
Loanword from English, used for flexible tubes (e.g., rubber, plastic) or tube-shaped containers.
歯磨き粉のチューブを買った。
I bought a tube of toothpaste.
ゴムのチューブを切った。
I cut the rubber tube.
Often used for rigid pipes, especially in plumbing or smoking pipes.
排水パイプが詰まった。
The drain pipe is clogged.
A soft, squeezable container for pastes, gels, or creams.
The standard word for a tube of toothpaste, ointment, etc.
このチューブは最後まで使い切った。
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.
気管に食べ物が入った。
Food went into my windpipe.
卵管が詰まっている。
The fallopian tube is blocked.
The inflatable tube inside a tire.
Specifically the inner tube of a bicycle or vehicle tire.
自転車のチューブがパンクした。
The bicycle inner tube got a flat.
The subway system in London, commonly called "the Tube".
The formal name. Often shortened in conversation.
ロンドン地下鉄で移動した。
I traveled by the London Underground.
The nickname "the Tube" is sometimes used in Japanese, especially by those familiar with London.
ロンドンではチューブに乗るのが便利だ。
In London, it's convenient to take 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.
彼は一日中テレビを見ている。
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.