Translation guide
Camphor is a waxy, aromatic substance from the camphor tree, used in medicine, mothballs, and traditional products. In Japanese, the tree, the substance, and related products have distinct terms.
Referring to the white, crystalline substance with a strong smell, used in mothballs, balms, etc.
The standard term for camphor as a substance. Used in contexts like mothballs, medicinal balms, and traditional uses.
Referring to the tree itself (Cinnamomum camphora), often found in East Asia.
Referring to items like mothballs, balms, or oils that contain camphor.
Camphor oil, used in traditional remedies or aromatherapy.
樟脳油を塗ると虫除けになる。
Applying camphor oil works as insect repellent.
The word カンフル (kanfuru) sounds like 'camphor' but is less common. In everyday speech, 樟脳 (しょうのう) is the standard term. Also, 楠 (くすのき) refers to the tree, not the substance.
It smells like camphor.
樟脳は防虫剤として使われる。
Camphor is used as an insect repellent.
Loanword from English 'camphor', used in some medical or pharmaceutical contexts, but less common than 樟脳.
カンフル注射は昔、強心剤として使われた。
Camphor injections were once used as a cardiac stimulant.
The common name for the camphor tree. Often seen in parks, shrines, and as large old trees.
神社に大きな楠がある。
There is a big camphor tree at the shrine.
Alternate name for the camphor tree, often used in compound words or literary contexts.
樟の大木
a large camphor tree
Phrase meaning 'containing camphor', used to describe products like ointments or mothballs.
樟脳入りの軟膏
camphor ointment