発煙筒
hatsuentō
The English phrase smoke bomb is translated into Japanese as 発煙筒 (hatsuentō).
The term 発煙筒 specifically refers to signal smoke canisters used for signaling or emergency purposes rather than a decorative firework or a weaponized smoke grenade.
Meaning: firework (noun)
Which one should you use?
The informal term 煙玉 is an informal term for smoke bomb that carries a playful tone.
How do you pronounce it?
hatsuentō
Did you know?
- While 発煙筒 describes a canister, the word 筒 originally refers to a bamboo tube, reflecting the ancient Japanese use of bamboo for gunpowder weapons.
- The character 煙 is also used in the word 煙草 to mean 'tobacco', literally translating to 'smoke grass'.
- In Japanese, the concept of a 'smoke screen' is expressed as 煙幕, a word that is used both for military tactics and as a metaphor for covering up a scandal.
Examples in context
- 煙玉を使うTo use a smoke bomb.
- 映画の撮影で発煙筒を使った。Eiga no satsuei de hauentou o tsukatta.They used a smoke bomb for the movie shoot.
- あの赤い発煙筒はとても目立つ。Ano akai hauentou wa totemo medatsu.That red smoke bomb is very noticeable.
- 演習のために発煙筒を準備した。Enshuu no tame ni hauentou o junbi shita.I prepared a smoke bomb for the drill.
Example conversation
Two students are preparing for a theater play performance.
- 美咲 Misaki演出のために発煙筒は必要かな？Enshutsu no tame ni hauentou wa hitsuyou kana?Do we need a smoke bomb for the production?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、劇的な効果が出ると思うよ。Un, gekiteki na kouka ga deru to omou yo.Yeah, I think it will create a dramatic effect.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔くん、どこで買えるか知ってる？Hiroto-kun, doko de kaeru ka shitteru?Hiroto, do you know where we can buy one?
- 大翔 Hiroto僕が調べておくね。Boku ga shirabete oku ne.I will look it up for you.
