Translation guide
The English word "flake" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: a small flat piece, an unreliable person, and the verb meaning to peel off. It provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
A thin, flat piece of something, like snow, paint, or food.
a flake of snow · flakes of paint · corn flakes
A person who often cancels plans or fails to follow through.
Literally 'person who cancels at the last minute'. Very common in casual speech.
彼はドタキャンする人だから、あまり期待しないほうがいいよ。
He's a flake, so don't expect too much.
To come off in thin pieces, like paint or skin.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches the slang 'flake' (unreliable person). Using 'フレーク' to mean a person will not be understood. Use the phrases provided instead.
剥がれる (intransitive) is used when something comes off by itself. 剥がす (transitive) is used when someone removes it. Compare: ペンキが剥がれた (The paint flaked off) vs ペンキを剥がした (I flaked off the paint).
General counter for a small flat piece. Often used with a preceding noun.
雪の一片が手のひらに落ちた。
A snowflake fell onto my palm.
A fragment or small broken piece, often of something hard.
ガラスのかけらが床に落ちていた。
Flakes of glass were on the floor.
Loanword used for food like corn flakes or soap flakes.
朝食にコーンフレークを食べた。
I ate corn flakes for breakfast.
Technical term for a thin slice or flake, used in science or formal contexts.
岩石の薄片を顕微鏡で観察した。
We observed a thin section of rock under the microscope.
Means 'unreliable person'. More general than just canceling plans.
彼女は当てにならない人だから、約束はあてにしないで。
She's a flake, so don't count on her promises.
Irresponsible or half-hearted person. Implies lack of seriousness.
あいつはいい加減な人で、仕事をよくサボる。
That guy is a flake; he often slacks off at work.
Instead of a direct label, describe the behavior: 'よく約束を破る' (often breaks promises) or '急に来なくなる' (suddenly doesn't show up).
彼はよく約束を破るから、信用できない。
He often flakes on plans, so I can't trust him.
Intransitive verb for something peeling or flaking off naturally.
壁のペンキが剥がれてきた。
The paint on the wall is starting to flake off.
Transitive verb for deliberately peeling or flaking something off.
古いペンキを剥がしてから、新しいのを塗った。
I flaked off the old paint and then applied new paint.
Describes small pieces falling off bit by bit, like dry skin or plaster.
乾燥して肌がぽろぽろ落ちる。
My skin is so dry it's flaking off.