Translation guide
The chemical element chlorine (Cl). In Japanese, it is primarily referred to by its katakana name or its kanji name, with specific terms for chlorine gas and chlorine-based compounds.
chlorine (element)
chlorine bleach
Referring to chlorine as a chemical element, such as in science, industry, or everyday contexts like swimming pools or bleach.
The standard Japanese word for the element chlorine. Used in scientific, industrial, and general contexts.
Chlorine is used to disinfect tap water.
This pool has a strong smell of chlorine.
Katakana loanword from German 'Chlor'. Less common than 塩素 but understood in some contexts, especially in chemistry.
Specifically referring to chlorine in its gaseous state, often in the context of its toxic properties or industrial use.
The standard term for chlorine gas. Used in safety warnings, industrial descriptions, and news reports.
Chlorine gas is toxic, so careful handling is required.
Referring to household bleach or disinfectants that contain chlorine, often used for cleaning or laundry.
The standard term for chlorine-based bleach. Commonly seen on product labels and in household contexts.
Chlorine bleach cannot be used on colored items.
A slightly more descriptive phrase meaning 'chlorine-type bleach'. Used in conversation or less formal writing.
Referring to chlorine as part of a chemical compound, such as sodium chloride (table salt) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Prefix meaning 'chloride' or 'chloro-'. Used in chemical compound names. For example, 塩化ナトリウム (sodium chloride), 塩化ビニル (vinyl chloride).
Sodium chloride is the main component of table salt.
This pipe is made of vinyl chloride.
The English prefix 'chlor-' comes from Greek 'chloros' (green). In Japanese, 塩素 (chlorine) is not used for words like chlorophyll (葉緑素, ようりょくそ) or chloroform (クロロホルム). Be careful not to directly translate 'chlor-' as 塩素 in all cases.
クロールは周期表でハロゲンに分類される。
Chlorine is classified as a halogen in the periodic table.
Please ventilate the area when using chlorine bleach.