Translation guide
A tumulus is an ancient burial mound, often found in archaeological contexts. In Japanese, the most common and specific term is 古墳 (kofun), which refers to the keyhole-shaped and other mounded tombs from the Kofun period. Other words exist for different types or contexts.
To refer to an ancient earthen burial mound, especially in historical or archaeological contexts.
The standard term for ancient burial mounds in Japan, particularly those from the Kofun period (3rd–7th centuries). It is the most direct and common translation for 'tumulus' in Japanese archaeological contexts.
この地域には多くの古墳が残っている。
Many tumuli remain in this region.
古墳時代の古墳は前方後円墳が多い。
Many tumuli from the Kofun period are keyhole-shaped.
A more general term for a burial mound or tomb, often used in formal or archaeological writing. It can refer to any ancient grave mound, not exclusively Japanese ones.
この墳墓は紀元前のものと推定される。
This tumulus is estimated to date back to before the Common Era.
A mound or hillock, often used for smaller or less formal burial mounds, sometimes associated with folklore or memorials. It can also mean a pile of earth or stones. Less specific than 古墳.
その塚は古い伝説に関係している。
That mound is connected to an old legend.
To refer specifically to the distinctive keyhole-shaped burial mounds characteristic of the Japanese Kofun period.
The technical term for the keyhole-shaped tumuli that are iconic of the Kofun period. It literally means 'front square, back round tomb'.
大仙陵古墳は日本最大の前方後円墳だ。
Daisenryo Kofun is the largest keyhole-shaped tumulus in Japan.
To refer to a tumulus in non-Japanese contexts, such as European barrows or mounds.
A term used in archaeology for a burial mound with a raised earthen structure, often applied to non-Japanese tumuli. It emphasizes the mound shape.
ヨーロッパの墳丘墓はストーンヘンジと同時代のものもある。
Some European tumuli are contemporary with Stonehenge.
While primarily used for Japanese tumuli, 古墳 can sometimes be used generically for ancient burial mounds worldwide in Japanese texts, but it may sound Japan-centric. Use with caution.
Using 古墳 for non-Japanese tumuli might confuse readers who associate it strictly with the Kofun period. Prefer 墳丘墓 or 墳墓 for clarity.
古墳 (kofun) specifically refers to the mounded tombs of the Kofun period in Japan and is the most common word for 'tumulus' in that context. 墳墓 (funbo) is a broader term for any ancient burial mound or tomb, suitable for archaeological writing. 塚 (tsuka) is a more general word for a mound, often smaller and sometimes associated with legends or memorials rather than formal archaeology.
The English word 'tumulus' is a technical archaeological term. In everyday Japanese, people rarely talk about 'tumuli' outside of historical or educational contexts. If you are not in an archaeological discussion, consider whether a simpler word like 古墳 (for Japanese mounds) or 古代の墓 (ancient tomb) might be more appropriate.
イギリスの古墳から青銅器が出土した。
Bronze artifacts were excavated from a British tumulus.