弾薬
dan'yaku[dã̠ɰ̃ja̠kɯ̟]
The English word "ammunition" is translated into Japanese as 弾薬 (dan'yaku).
弾薬 is used to refer to articles used in charging firearms. It functions as a broad term that can encompass a wide range of different types of ammunition.
Meaning: articles used in charging firearms (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of two parts: the kanji 弾 (dan), which refers to a projectile or bullet and 薬 (yaku), which means medicine or substance.
Which one should you use?
While 弾薬 refers to ammunition in a general or collective sense, the term 弾丸 is typically used when referring specifically to individual bullets.
How do you pronounce it?
dan'yaku
Did you know?
- The character 薬 in 弾薬 is also used in the Japanese word for 'poison', as both were once classified as powerful chemical agents.
- The kanji 弾 is the same character used in the word for 'bounce' or 'rebound', linking the concept of a projectile to its physical movement or striking action.
- In Japanese pop culture and anime, the term 弾丸 is often used for 'bullet' in a way that evokes a sense of speed or precision, whereas 弾薬 remains a dry, military logistical term.
Examples in context
- 弾丸を補給してください。Please supply ammunition.
- すべての弾薬は厳重に保管されています。All ammunition is stored securely.
- 弾が切れた。I ran out of ammunition.
- 銃の弾薬が足りないんだ。I'm running out of ammunition for my gun.
- 近代的な弾丸は非常に効果的です。Modern ammunition is highly effective.
- 弾も残りわずかだ。There are only a few rounds of ammunition left.
- 弾丸の補給を要請します。Requesting ammunition resupply.
- 弾薬の在庫を確認してください。dan'yaku no zaiko o kakunin shite kudasai.Please check the ammunition stock.
- 戦場には弾薬が不足している。senjou ni wa dan'yaku ga fusoku shite iru.There is a shortage of ammunition on the battlefield.
- 新しい弾薬を運びます。atarashii dan'yaku o hakobimasu.I will carry the new ammunition.
Example conversation
A soldier and a logistics officer are talking at a military base.
- 大翔 Hiroto弾薬はまだありますか？dan'yaku wa mada arimasu ka?Is there any ammunition left?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、大翔さん、準備はできています。hai, Hiroto-san, junbi wa dekite imasu.Yes, Hiroto, it is ready.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲さん、運ぶのを手伝ってください。Misaki-san, hakobu no o tetsudatte kudasai.Misaki, please help me carry them.
- 美咲 Misaki分かりました、すぐに向かいます。wakarimashita, sugu ni mukaimasu.Understood, I will head there immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ammunition” translations and entries 弾薬, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
