Translation guide
The English word 'cement' can refer to the building material, a dental material, or the verb meaning to bond or strengthen. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
The gray powder used in construction that hardens when mixed with water, or the resulting solid material.
The most common and direct translation for the building material. A loanword from English, used in everyday and technical contexts.
Mix cement.
The cement hardened.
Technically 'concrete', which is a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water. Often used interchangeably with セメント in casual speech, but in technical contexts they are distinct.
In precise construction contexts, セメント refers to the powder, while コンクリート is the final composite. Using コンクリート for 'cement' may be inaccurate.
A concrete wall.
Material used in dentistry to fill cavities or attach crowns.
To attach or fix something securely, often with a cement-like substance, or metaphorically to strengthen a relationship.
General verb for 'to bond' or 'to adhere'. Used for physical joining with adhesives, including cement.
Cement the tiles in place.
Means 'to harden' or 'to solidify'. Can be used when cement is used to make something firm.
Literally 'fix with cement'. A clear and natural phrase for attaching something using cement.
Cement the post in place.
To make a relationship, agreement, or feeling stronger and more lasting.
Means 'to make firm/strong'. Commonly used for abstract relationships.
Cement a friendship.
Also used metaphorically for solidifying relationships or plans.
Literally 'make unshakable'. A more emphatic and literary expression.
Cement a relationship of trust.
セメント (cement) is the powder that acts as a binder. コンクリート (concrete) is the mixture of cement, water, sand, and gravel. In everyday Japanese, people may say セメント when they mean コンクリート, but in technical or construction contexts, the distinction is important.
Cement and concrete are different.
セメントで基礎を固める。
Cement the foundation.
二人の絆を固める。
Cement the bond between the two.