Translation guide
The English word 'foam' refers to a mass of small bubbles, often on liquids or in materials. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 泡 (awa), but the translation depends on context: bubbles on a drink, lather from soap, sea foam, or foam material like styrofoam.
Describing a layer of small bubbles that forms on top of a liquid, such as the head on a beer, the froth on a cappuccino, or sea foam.
The general word for foam, froth, or bubbles on a liquid. Can be used for beer foam, soap bubbles, sea foam, etc.
The foam on the beer is fine-textured.
After the waves receded, white foam remained on the beach.
Refers to the formation or quality of foam/lather, often used for soaps, shampoos, or detergents.
A more literary or technical term for foam or bubbles, often used metaphorically for something fleeting.
Referring to the foam produced when washing with soap, shampoo, or detergent.
Referring to a lightweight, spongy material used for insulation, packaging, or cushioning.
Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene). Commonly used for packaging and insulation.
Put the fish in a styrofoam box.
Loanword from English, used for foam materials like foam rubber or memory foam. Often in compounds.
Sponge, but often used for foam-like materials in cleaning or cushioning.
Describing frothy saliva around the mouth, often in extreme states.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to foam at the mouth', used for literal frothing or figuratively for rage.
The dog is foaming at the mouth.
He was so angry he was almost foaming at the mouth.
泡 (awa) refers to bubbles or froth, not solid foam materials like styrofoam or foam rubber. Use 発泡スチロール or フォーム for those.
Styrofoam is not called 'awa'.
このシャンプーは泡立ちがいい。
This shampoo lathers well.
人生は泡沫の夢のようだ。
Life is like a fleeting dream of foam.
A memory foam pillow.
スポンジ状の素材。
A sponge-like material.