Translation guide
A device that produces smoke, used for concealment, signaling, or entertainment.
A device used by military or police to create a smoke screen for concealment or signaling.
Standard term for a smoke-generating canister used by military, police, or for emergency signaling.
A small device that produces smoke when ignited, often used for pranks, magic tricks, or photography.
Used metaphorically to describe a sudden vanishing act or a diversion.
Idiom meaning to confuse or bewilder someone, literally 'wrap in smoke'. Often used when someone talks confusingly to evade a question.
彼は質問を煙に巻いて逃げた。
He dodged the question with a smoke bomb of confusing words.
発煙筒 is a general term for any smoke-generating cylinder, from military to emergency use. 煙幕弾 specifically refers to a projectile (shell or grenade) that creates a smoke screen. For most non-military contexts, 発煙筒 is sufficient.
登山者は救助を求めるために発煙筒を使った。
The climber used a smoke bomb to signal for help.
Directly translating 'smoke bomb' as 煙爆弾 (けむりばくだん) is not standard and may not be understood. Use the established terms above.
兵士は撤退を援護するために発煙筒を使った。
The soldiers used smoke bombs to cover their retreat.
Specifically a smoke shell or grenade used to create a smoke screen.
戦車は煙幕弾を発射して敵の視界を遮った。
The tank fired smoke bombs to obscure the enemy's vision.
Loanword from English, used in military or airsoft contexts.
特殊部隊は突入前にスモークグレネードを投げ込んだ。
The special forces threw in a smoke grenade before breaching.
Also used for small novelty smoke devices, though context will clarify it's not military.
彼はいたずらで発煙筒をトイレで焚いた。
He set off a smoke bomb in the bathroom as a prank.
Literally 'smoke ball', a traditional ninja tool or a small pyrotechnic that produces smoke. Often used in historical or entertainment contexts.
忍者は煙玉を使って姿を消した。
The ninja vanished using a smoke bomb.
Loanword for a small smoke-producing ball, used in photography or as a toy.
写真撮影用にカラフルなスモークボールを買った。
I bought colorful smoke bombs for a photo shoot.
Literally 'lay a smoke screen', used figuratively for creating a diversion or hiding the truth.
政治家は不祥事を隠すために煙幕を張った。
The politician threw up a smoke bomb to hide the scandal.