Japanese Conversation · Level 112
60 words
Japanese word
鉄砲
Pronunciation
Romajiteppō
Meaning
- noungun
Example
その鉄砲は重いです。so no tep pō wa omo i de su
That gun is heavy.
More examples
博物館で古い鉄砲を見ました。haku butsu kan de furu i tep pō o mi ma shi ta
I saw an old gun at the museum.
Core concept
Refers to a weapon that uses a sudden release of force to send a projectile through a barrel.
Common phrases
鉄砲を撃つtep pō o u tsu
shoot a gun
鉄砲の音tep pō no oto
sound of a gun
鉄砲を持つtep pō o mo tsu
hold a gun
Similar words
銃jū: A modern firearm that fires a projectile through a barrel.
Definition in Japanese
火薬などの力で弾丸を発射するための武器。ka yaku na do no chikara de dan gan o has sha su ru ta me no bu ki
Word origin
The compound 鉄 (tetsu, "iron") + 砲 (hō, "cannon") forms 鉄砲 (teppō), a traditional Japanese term for a gun.
Usage tips
- In modern conversation, 鉄砲 (teppō) can sound more casual or old-fashioned than 銃 (jū), while it remains familiar in stories and historical settings.