Translation guide
The English word "emulsion" refers to a mixture of two liquids that normally don't combine, like oil and water. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 乳濁液 (にゅうだくえき), a technical term. For everyday contexts like paint or cosmetics, エマルション (emarushon) is often used. This guide covers both technical and practical uses.
Referring to a stable mixture of two immiscible liquids, especially in chemistry or physics.
The standard scientific term for an emulsion. Used in academic and industrial contexts.
この乳濁液は油と水からできている。
This emulsion is made of oil and water.
Loanword from English, common in technical fields like chemistry and photography.
エマルションの安定性を調べる。
We examine the stability of the emulsion.
Often used in photography (photographic emulsion) or pharmaceuticals. Less common for general emulsions.
写真の乳剤を塗布する。
Apply the photographic emulsion.
Referring to emulsion paints, lotions, creams, or food products like mayonnaise.
Widely used in product names and descriptions for paints, cosmetics, and sometimes food. Easily understood.
このエマルション塗料は水性です。
This emulsion paint is water-based.
エマルションタイプの日焼け止め。
An emulsion-type sunscreen.
Specifically for milky lotions or liquid emulsions in skincare. Not used for paints or industrial products.
Descriptive phrase meaning "emulsified substance." Can be used when the exact term is unknown, but it's wordy.
このソースは乳化したものです。
This sauce is an emulsified substance.
Describing the act of emulsifying or the state of being emulsified.
Noun meaning emulsification. Often used in cooking and chemistry.
乳化がうまくいかない。
The emulsification isn't going well.
Verb meaning "to emulsify." Used in recipes and technical instructions.
油と酢を乳化させる。
Emulsify the oil and vinegar.
乳濁液 is the formal scientific term. エマルション is a common loanword for industrial and consumer products. 乳液 is specifically a milky skincare lotion. Do not use 乳液 for paint or chemical emulsions.
Directly translating "emulsion" as 乳濁液 in everyday conversation may sound overly technical. Use エマルション for general products, or describe the function if unsure.
化粧水の後に乳液をつける。
Apply emulsion (milky lotion) after toner.