Translation guide
A substance used to add or change color in food, cosmetics, or industrial products. Japanese distinguishes between natural and synthetic colorants, and the term varies by context.
A substance added to food or drink to give it color.
General term for food coloring, both natural and artificial. Commonly seen on ingredient labels.
This candy contains coloring agents.
Specifically 'food dye' or 'edible pigment'. Often used in technical or regulatory contexts.
The safety of food dyes has been confirmed.
Synthetic food coloring. Often contrasted with natural colorants.
Products without synthetic coloring agents are increasing.
A substance used to add color to makeup, hair dye, or skincare products.
A substance used to impart color to materials like paint, ink, plastic, or textiles.
Same term as for cosmetics; widely used in manufacturing.
There are various types of coloring agents for plastics.
Pigment (insoluble particles) used in paints, inks, and coatings. Distinct from dyes.
Dye (soluble colorant) for textiles, leather, or paper. Not typically used for food or cosmetics.
着色料 (chakushokuryō) is almost exclusively used for food, while 着色剤 (chakushokuzai) is used for non-food items like cosmetics and industrial products. Using 着色料 for non-food contexts can sound odd.
If you want to emphasize that a coloring agent is natural, you can add 天然 (てんねん, natural) before the term, e.g., 天然着色料 (natural food coloring). For synthetic, use 合成 (ごうせい).
ヘアカラーに含まれる色素が髪に定着します。
The pigments contained in hair color adhere to the hair.
This paint uses high-quality pigments.
This cloth is dyed with natural dyes.