Translation guide
The English word "chemicals" can refer to substances used in chemistry, industrial products, or harmful synthetic additives. In Japanese, the translation depends on context: general chemical substances, industrial chemicals, or everyday products with chemical ingredients.
Referring to chemical substances in a scientific or general sense, including elements, compounds, and laboratory materials.
The standard term for chemical substances in scientific, technical, and formal contexts. Covers any substance with a defined chemical composition.
This factory handles hazardous chemicals.
We need to assess the safety of the chemicals.
Often used for chemicals in a laboratory, industrial, or pharmaceutical context. Emphasizes the reagent or prepared chemical aspect.
Please store chemicals out of reach of children.
A broader term that can mean chemicals, drugs, or medicines. In context, it may refer to chemical agents, but it's ambiguous without modifiers.
This chemical requires careful handling.
Referring to chemicals produced or used in industry, such as solvents, acids, or raw materials.
Expressing concern about synthetic chemicals in food, environment, or consumer products, often with a negative nuance.
Also used in negative contexts, especially with adjectives like 有害な (harmful) or 危険な (dangerous).
This food contains chemicals.
Specifically refers to chemical additives, often in food or cosmetics. Conveys artificiality.
Loanword from English, often used in product marketing to imply synthetic or harsh chemicals. Can sound trendy or negative depending on context.
Referring to chemicals used in farming, such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
When talking about household cleaners, cosmetics, or food, English speakers often say 'chemicals' to mean harsh or synthetic ingredients. In Japanese, simply saying 化学物質 may sound overly technical. Instead, use specific terms like 化学成分 (chemical ingredients), 添加物 (additives), or 合成成分 (synthetic ingredients) depending on the nuance.
This detergent has fewer chemicals.
化学物質 is the broadest term for any chemical substance. 化学薬品 implies prepared or reagent chemicals, often in lab or industrial settings. 化学品 is a commercial term for chemical products. Choose based on context: scientific (化学物質), laboratory/industrial handling (化学薬品), or trade (化学品).
This product contains no harmful chemicals.
The river was polluted with chemicals from the factory.
化学品の取引が増えています。
Trade in chemicals is increasing.
I'm looking for cosmetics that don't use chemicals (additives).
ケミカルな成分が肌に合わない。
Chemical ingredients don't agree with my skin.
Efforts to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers are progressing.