Translation guide
The English word "crystal" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. This guide breaks them down by meaning: the solid material, decorative glassware, watch glass, and the metaphorical sense of clarity.
Referring to a crystal as a scientific or natural solid with a regular repeating pattern of atoms, such as quartz, salt, or snowflakes.
The standard term for a crystal in scientific and general contexts. Refers to the solid material itself.
雪の結晶はとても美しい。
Snow crystals are very beautiful.
塩の結晶を作る実験をした。
We did an experiment to make salt crystals.
Loanword from English. Often used for decorative or high-quality crystal items, or in brand names. Can also refer to the material in a more stylish sense.
このクリスタルの置物は高価だ。
This crystal ornament is expensive.
Referring to fine glassware, such as wine glasses, vases, or chandeliers, often called 'crystal' in English.
Specifically refers to lead crystal glass, used for high-end tableware and decorative items.
彼女はクリスタルガラスのワイングラスを集めている。
She collects crystal wine glasses.
Often used alone to mean crystal glassware, especially in contexts like 'crystal chandelier' or 'crystal vase'.
The clear protective cover over the dial of a watch, often called the 'crystal'.
The standard term for a watch crystal. Literally 'wind shield'.
時計の風防に傷がついた。
The watch crystal got scratched.
In watch contexts, 'glass' is often used to refer to the crystal, especially when specifying material (e.g., sapphire glass).
Describing something as clear, pure, or transparent like a crystal, often used for water, sound, or abstract qualities.
Means 'like crystal' or 'crystal clear'. Used for water, eyes, sounds, etc.
水晶のように澄んだ水。
Crystal clear water.
彼女の声は水晶のように透き通っていた。
Her voice was crystal clear.
Loan phrase 'crystal clear', used in audio or visual contexts, or as a brand name.
このスピーカーはクリスタルクリアな音を出す。
These speakers produce crystal clear sound.
While 'crystal clear' can be translated as 水晶のように澄んだ, in many cases a simpler adjective like 透き通った (すきとおった, transparent/clear) or 澄んだ (すんだ, clear/pure) is more natural. Reserve the crystal simile for poetic or emphatic contexts.
クリスタルのシャンデリアが輝いている。
The crystal chandelier is shining.
This watch uses sapphire crystal.