Translation guide
A colloid is a mixture where tiny particles of one substance are evenly dispersed in another without settling out. In Japanese, the scientific term is コロイド, but everyday examples like gel or sol are often described by their specific names.
Referring to the general class of colloidal dispersions in chemistry or physics.
The standard loanword for 'colloid' in scientific contexts. Widely understood in technical fields.
この溶液はコロイド状態にある。
This solution is in a colloidal state.
A kanji-based term for 'colloid', used in older or highly formal scientific literature. Rare in modern usage.
膠質化学はコロイドの性質を研究する。
Colloid chemistry studies the properties of colloids.
Describing a semi-solid colloidal system, like jelly or gelatin.
The common term for a gel, which is a type of colloid. Used in food, cosmetics, and science.
この化粧品はゲル状になっている。
This cosmetic is in a gel form.
Often used for jelly-like foods, which are colloidal systems. More specific to edible gels.
Referring to a fluid colloidal system with solid particles dispersed in liquid.
The standard term for a sol, a liquid colloid. Used in chemistry and materials science.
金属ゾルは触媒として使われる。
Metal sols are used as catalysts.
Describing a colloidal system where particles are dispersed in a gas, like mist or smoke.
The loanword for aerosol, commonly used in environmental science and everyday products.
エアロゾルスプレーはコロイドの一種だ。
Aerosol spray is a type of colloid.
A technical kanji term for aerosol, rarely used outside specialized literature.
Referring to a mixture of two immiscible liquids, like oil and water, stabilized by an emulsifier.
The standard term for emulsion in chemistry and industry.
マヨネーズはエマルションの例だ。
Mayonnaise is an example of an emulsion.
A kanji term for emulsion, used in some technical contexts but less common than エマルション.
In everyday Japanese, people rarely say コロイド. Instead, they use specific words like ゲル (gel), ゾル (sol), or エマルション (emulsion) depending on the context. If you're unsure, describe the mixture's appearance or behavior.
この液体はどろっとしている。
This liquid is thick and gooey.
I served fruit jelly for dessert.
煙霧質は大気中に浮遊する微粒子だ。
Aerosols are fine particles suspended in the atmosphere.
乳濁液は水と油の混合物だ。
An emulsion is a mixture of water and oil.