Translation and Meaning of: 爆弾 - bakudan

The Japanese word 「爆弾」 (bakudan), which means "bomb", is composed of the kanji 「爆」, which means "explosion", and 「弾」, which refers to "projectile" or "bullet". The combination of these characters relates to the image of an explosive projectile, which is essentially the function of a bomb. The kanji 「爆」 comes from the radical "fire" (火), indicating a direct relation to explosions or combustion, while 「弾」 is associated with thrown objects, such as bullets and arrows.

The origin of the word 「爆弾」 can be traced back to the advancement of military technology and weaponry, especially during wartime, when the need for specific terms for new types of weapons increased. Previously, Japan relied on more traditional weapons such as bows and spears, but with the introduction of gunpowder and later, more sophisticated explosives, the need for a vocabulary that kept pace with these technological innovations arose.

It is interesting to note that the word 「ばくだん」 (bakudan) is also used outside the military context. In Japanese popular culture, for example, the term can be found in culinary expressions; a "bakudan onigiri," for example, is a type of stuffed rice ball, whose robust appearance and surprising potential resemble the impact that a "bomb" would provide, but in a positively delicious and fun way.

Within the vast application of the word in the Japanese language, we can also find variations and derivatives of the term in different contexts, such as 「爆弾低気圧」 (bakudan teikiatsu), which means "bomb cyclone," a meteorological term that describes a rapidly intensifying atmospheric depression. These uses exemplify how the word 「爆弾」 has been adopted beyond its literal meaning, reaching a wide scope in various spheres of everyday life.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 爆薬 (Bakuyaku) - Explosive; substance used to cause explosions.
• 爆弾装置 (Bakudan sōchi) - Explosive device; equipment designed to create an explosion.
• 爆発物 (Bakuhatsubutsu) - Explosive material; any substance that can explode, typically used in military contexts.
• 爆薬装置 (Bakuyaku sōchi) - Explosives equipment; a device that contains explosive material for specific purposes.
• 爆発性物質 (Bakuhatsusei busshitsu) - Explosive substance; any material that has the capacity to explode under certain conditions.

爆弾

Romaji: bakudan
Kana: ばくだん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: pump

Meaning in English: bomb

Definition: A weapon designed to be detonated by explosives.

Example Sentences - (爆弾) bakudan

See below some example sentences:

爆弾が爆発した。

Bakudan ga bakuhatsu shita

The Bomb Exploded.

The bomb exploded.

• 爆弾 (bakudan) - bomb
• が (ga) - partícula que indica o sujeito de uma frase
• 爆発した (bakuhatsu shita) - exploded