Translation guide
A rounded handle, a control dial, or a small lump. Japanese uses different words depending on shape and function.
A round grip you turn or pull to open something.
General word for a handle or knob on doors, drawers, lids, etc. Works for most rounded handles.
ドアの取っ手を回してください。
Please turn the door knob.
引き出しの取っ手が取れた。
The drawer knob came off.
Loanword from English, specifically for a round door knob. Common in modern contexts.
ドアノブを交換した。
I replaced the door knob.
A small knob or grip you pinch with fingers, like on a small lid or a dial. Can also mean a knob of butter.
鍋の蓋のつまみが熱い。
The knob on the pot lid is hot.
A round control you turn to adjust volume, temperature, etc.
Standard word for a control knob on appliances, radios, stoves, etc.
音量のつまみを右に回す。
Turn the volume knob to the right.
ストーブのつまみで温度を調節する。
Adjust the temperature with the stove knob.
Used for a round dial with numbers or markings, like on a radio or old telephone.
A small, shaped mass of something like butter or coal.
General word for a lump or chunk. Use with a modifier to specify the substance.
バターを小さな塊に切る。
Cut the butter into small knobs.
A pinch or small knob of something like butter. Literally 'one pinch'.
A small, rounded hill, often in place names.
Means a small round hill or bump on a surface. Can be used geographically.
その丘は小さなこぶのようだ。
That hill looks like a small knob.
取っ手 is the safest general word for any handle or knob you grasp. ノブ specifically means a round door knob. つまみ is for small knobs you pinch or turn with fingertips, like on a stove or a small lid.
ドアの取っ手（ノブ）を回す。
Turn the door knob.
音量のつまみを回す。
Turn the volume knob.
ラジオのダイヤルを合わせる。
Tune the radio dial.
バターをひとつまみ入れる。
Add a knob of butter.