Translation guide
The English word "bomb" can refer to an explosive device, a failure, or a great success, among other meanings. Japanese uses different words and expressions depending on the context.
A container filled with explosive material, designed to explode and cause damage.
The standard word for a bomb as a physical explosive device.
テロリストが爆弾を仕掛けた。
The terrorists planted a bomb.
爆弾が爆発した。
The bomb exploded.
A broader term for explosive substances or devices, often used in legal or technical contexts.
不審な爆発物が見つかった。
A suspicious explosive device was found.
A loanword from English, used in compound words or specific contexts like 'car bomb' (カーボム) or in video games.
カーボムが爆発した。
A car bomb exploded.
Something that is a complete failure, especially in entertainment or business.
A major failure or blunder. Can be used for movies, projects, etc.
その映画は大失敗だった。
That movie was a bomb.
Literally 'explosive death', used colloquially to mean a spectacular failure, especially in entertainment or sales.
A failed work or product, often used for artistic or creative works.
この小説は失敗作だ。
This novel is a bomb.
Something that is extremely successful or popular.
A big hit, used for movies, songs, products, etc.
その曲は大ヒットした。
That song was a bomb (a huge hit).
A great success, more general than 大ヒット.
Slang for something that is wildly popular or a smash hit, often used for comedy or entertainment.
そのコントがバカ受けした。
That skit was a bomb (killed it).
A very attractive person, often used as slang.
A beautiful woman. Not slang, but the closest natural equivalent.
彼女は本当に美人だ。
She's a real bomb.
A good-looking guy. Casual term.
A very beautiful woman, somewhat dated or dialectal (Kansai).
To perform very poorly or fail completely.
To drop bombs on a target or to bomb a place.
To bomb (a target), used in military contexts.
空軍が敵基地を爆撃した。
The air force bombed the enemy base.
To drop bombs, more literal.
飛行機が街に爆弾を落とした。
Planes bombed the city.
To go or move very fast.
To speed, to go fast (driving, running, etc.).
車を飛ばして行こう。
Let's bomb down the highway.
To drive at breakneck speed, literally 'roar/explode-run'. Often used in racing or slang.
バイクで爆走した。
I bombed along on my motorcycle.
To perform excellently, especially in a test or competition.
To get a perfect score, to ace something.
テストで満点を取った！
I bombed the test! (aced it)
To be a huge success.
プレゼンで大成功した。
I bombed the presentation (in a good way).
In English slang, 'bomb' can mean both a huge success and a huge failure. Japanese does not have a single word with this dual meaning. Always clarify whether you mean success (大ヒット, 大成功) or failure (大失敗, 爆死).
爆死 is slang and often used for entertainment/media flops. 大失敗 is more general and can be used in formal contexts.
彼はオーディションで大失敗した。
He bombed the audition.
The new game bombed.
パーティーは大成功だった。
The party was a bomb (a great success).
He's a bomb, isn't he?
あの子は別嬪やな。
That girl is a bomb.
The play bombed.