Translation guide
A ball made of rubber, used in various sports and games. The most common Japanese term is ゴムボール, but other expressions exist depending on context.
A ball made of rubber, typically used in children's play or simple games.
The most direct and common translation. Used for any rubber ball, especially in casual contexts.
子供がゴムボールで遊んでいる。
The children are playing with a rubber ball.
A traditional rubber ball, often used in handball games or as a toy. 'まり' refers to a small ball, typically for bouncing or juggling.
祖母がゴムまりをくれた。
My grandmother gave me a rubber ball.
A less common loanword from English. May be used in specific sports or technical contexts, but ゴムボール is preferred.
このラバーボールはよく弾む。
This rubber ball bounces well.
A rubber ball used in a particular sport, such as tennis, dodgeball, or kickball.
In sports, the ball is usually named after the sport, not the material. For example, a rubber tennis ball is just テニスボール.
テニスボールはゴムでできている。
Tennis balls are made of rubber.
ドッジボールに使うボールはゴム製だ。
The ball used in dodgeball is made of rubber.
Literally 'rubber-made ball'. Used when emphasizing the material, e.g., in rules or descriptions.
試合ではゴム製のボールを使用する。
We use a rubber ball in the match.
A small, highly elastic rubber ball, often called a super ball or bouncy ball.
The standard term for a small, high-bouncing rubber ball, popular as a toy. Note: this is a wasei-eigo term and does not refer to the American football event.
スーパーボールが高く跳ねた。
The super ball bounced high.
The phrase 'ラバーボール' is understood but sounds unnatural in most contexts. Stick to ゴムボール or sport-specific terms.