Translation guide
The English word "protuberance" refers to something that sticks out from a surface. In Japanese, there is no single everyday equivalent; the best choice depends on what is protruding and the context. Common options range from general words for bumps and bulges to technical terms for anatomical or geological features.
Describing a rounded or swollen part that sticks out from an otherwise flat or smooth surface, often on a body, object, or landscape.
The most direct and neutral word for a protrusion or projection. Used in technical and everyday contexts for anything that juts out.
この部品には小さな突起がある。
This part has a small protuberance.
岩の表面に鋭い突起があった。
There was a sharp protuberance on the rock surface.
A common, slightly informal word for something that sticks out. Often used for physical bumps or projections on objects.
壁に出っ張りがあるので気をつけて。
Watch out for the protuberance on the wall.
Refers to a swelling or raised area, often used for geological formations or bodily swellings. More formal than 出っ張り.
地殻変動によって地面が隆起した。
The ground formed a protuberance due to crustal movement.
Means a lump or bump, often on the body (like a bump on the head) or on a tree. Casual and common.
頭にこぶができた。
I got a bump (protuberance) on my head.
A bulge or swelling, often implying a softer, rounded shape. Can be used for curves on a surface or body.
その袋には不自然な膨らみがあった。
There was an unnatural protuberance in the bag.
Referring to a part of the body that sticks out, such as a bone, joint, or tissue.
Used in anatomy for bony projections (e.g., spinous process). Neutral and precise.
脊椎の突起が折れた。
The protuberance of the vertebra broke.
Can refer to a raised area on the body, such as a swelling or ridge.
A node or nodule; a small, rounded protuberance. Often used in medical contexts.
Describing something that sticks out sharply, like a spike, thorn, or jagged edge.
Still the best general word, but often modified with adjectives like 鋭い (sharp).
金属片の鋭い突起でけがをした。
I was injured by a sharp protuberance on the metal piece.
A projecting part; more formal and often used in technical descriptions of machinery or structures.
設計図にはいくつかの突出部が示されている。
The blueprint shows several protuberances.
Specifically a thorn or splinter-like protrusion. Not a general term for protuberance.
Describing a raised area of land, such as a hill, mound, or rocky outcrop.
Commonly used for geological uplifts or swellings of the earth's surface.
この地域には火山活動による隆起が見られる。
Protuberances from volcanic activity can be seen in this area.
Can be used as a noun meaning a projection or protrusion, often in geographical contexts.
Simply means 'hill'. Use only if the protuberance is a small hill.
平野に小さな丘がぽつんとある。
There is a solitary protuberance (hill) on the plain.
In everyday conversation, English speakers might say "protuberance" to sound technical or humorous. In Japanese, using 突起 (tokki) in casual chat can sound overly formal or medical. Instead, use simpler words like 出っ張り (deppari) or describe the shape.
なんかここ、出っ張ってるね。
There's a weird bump here, isn't there?
Japanese often forms compounds with 突起 to specify the type, e.g., 骨突起 (bone protuberance), 皮膚突起 (skin protrusion). This is common in medical or technical writing.
There is a small protuberance on the skin.
声帯に結節ができた。
A nodule (protuberance) formed on the vocal cords.
The rose stem has small protuberances (thorns).
海岸線に岩の突出がある。
There is a rocky protuberance on the coastline.