Translation guide
The castor oil plant is a specific plant species. This guide covers how to refer to it in Japanese, including its common name, scientific context, and related terms.
Referring to the castor oil plant as a plant species, in everyday or botanical contexts.
The most common Japanese name for the castor oil plant. Often written in katakana, but can also be written as 唐胡麻 in kanji.
庭にトウゴマが生えている。
There is a castor oil plant growing in the garden.
Another common name, often used interchangeably with トウゴマ. Can be written as 蓖麻 in kanji.
ヒマの種には毒がある。
Castor beans are poisonous.
Scientific name (Ricinus communis). Used in academic or highly technical contexts.
リシヌス・コミュニスはトウダイグサ科の植物です。
Ricinus communis is a plant of the spurge family.
Referring to the oil extracted from the plant, often used in medicine or industry.
The standard term for castor oil. Note the reading: ひましゆ, not ひましあぶら.
ひまし油は下剤として使われることがあります。
Castor oil is sometimes used as a laxative.
Loanword from English 'castor oil'. Used in some contexts, especially in product names or beauty industries.
このカスターオイルは髪にいいらしい。
This castor oil is apparently good for hair.
Referring specifically to the seed of the plant, which is the source of castor oil and contains ricin.
Literally 'seed of the castor oil plant'. A clear and common way to refer to castor beans.
トウゴマの種は有毒なので、取り扱いに注意してください。
Castor beans are poisonous, so please handle them with care.
Uses ヒマ (another name for the plant) and 実 (fruit/seed). Slightly less common than トウゴマの種.
ヒマの実から油を搾ります。
Oil is pressed from castor beans.
Castor beans contain ricin, a highly toxic substance. In Japanese contexts, you may encounter warnings about トウゴマの種 or ヒマの種. Never ingest them.