爆弾

• Reading: ばくだん
• Romaji: bakudan
• Kanji breakdown: 爆 (baku) — explode, burst; 弾 (dan) — bullet, projectile
• Pronunciation: /ba.kɯ.daɴ/

Meaning

A bomb; an explosive device designed to cause destruction.

A noun referring to explosive weapons. Also used metaphorically: 爆弾発言 (bombshell statement), 爆弾低気圧 (bomb cyclone). In casual speech, 爆弾 can describe something with shocking impact. Common in news, military, and figurative contexts.

Examples

1. 戦時中、この地域に多くの爆弾が落とされた。 During wartime, many bombs were dropped on this area.
2. 記者会見で彼は爆弾発言をして世間を驚かせた。 He made a bombshell statement at the press conference, shocking the public.
3. 不審物が爆弾かどうか警察が調査している。 Police are investigating whether the suspicious object is a bomb.

Usage Guide

Context: military, news, figurative speech, crime

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 爆 (baku, to explode/burst) + 弾 (dan, bullet/projectile). Literally 'explosive projectile,' describing a weapon that detonates to cause damage.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal