Translation guide
The English word 'explosion' can refer to a violent burst, a sudden loud noise, a rapid increase, or a sudden outburst of emotion. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
A sudden, violent release of energy, often with fire, smoke, and destruction.
The most common and general word for explosion. Can be used for bombs, gas, volcanoes, etc.
ガス爆発で建物が崩れた。
The building collapsed due to a gas explosion.
火山が爆発した。
The volcano exploded.
Often refers to a deliberate explosion, such as a controlled demolition or bombing. Can also be used as a verb (爆破する).
古いビルを爆破した。
They blew up the old building.
A more literary or dramatic word for explosion or burst, often used in fiction or technical contexts.
砲弾が炸裂した。
The shell exploded.
A very loud, sharp sound like a bang or boom.
Literally 'explosion sound'. Used for the loud noise of an explosion, engine, or loud music.
突然、爆音が聞こえた。
Suddenly, I heard an explosion sound.
A roaring or booming sound, often used for explosions, thunder, or large vehicles.
A sudden, dramatic increase in number, amount, or intensity.
Means 'rapid increase' or 'surge'. Commonly used for population, prices, cases, etc.
人口が急増している。
The population is exploding.
Literally 'explosive increase'. Stronger than 急増, emphasizing the suddenness and magnitude.
SNSの利用者が爆発的に増加した。
The number of social media users exploded.
Pattern: [subject] が急増する. A versatile way to say something is increasing rapidly.
クレームが急増した。
Complaints exploded.
A sudden, intense expression of emotion, especially anger or laughter.
Also used metaphorically for emotional outbursts. Often with 怒り (anger) or 笑い (laughter).
彼は怒りが爆発した。
He exploded with anger.
会場が笑いの爆発に包まれた。
The room was filled with an explosion of laughter.
Literally 'gushing out', used for emotions erupting suddenly, like anger or dissatisfaction.
A set phrase meaning 'emotions explode'.
抑えていた感情が爆発した。
My pent-up emotions exploded.
爆発 (ばくはつ) is a general explosion, often accidental. 爆破 (ばくは) implies a deliberate act, like demolition or bombing. Use 爆破する for 'to blow up' something intentionally.
事故でガスが爆発した。
The gas exploded in an accident.
テロリストがビルを爆破した。
Terrorists blew up the building.
While 笑いの爆発 is understood, it can sound slightly dramatic. In casual conversation, 大笑い (おおわらい, big laugh) or 爆笑 (ばくしょう, explosive laughter) are more natural.
そのジョークでみんな爆笑した。
Everyone burst out laughing at the joke.
爆発の轟音が町中に響いた。
The roar of the explosion echoed through the town.
不満が噴出した。
Dissatisfaction exploded.