Translation guide
In Japanese, 'fuel oil' is typically expressed with specific terms depending on the type and use. The most common general term is 燃料油 (nenryōyu), but in everyday contexts, people often refer to specific fuels like 灯油 (tōyu) for kerosene or 重油 (jūyu) for heavy oil.
Referring to fuel oil in a broad or technical sense, such as in industrial, shipping, or energy contexts.
The standard technical term for fuel oil, used in official and industrial contexts. It covers all types of liquid fuel used for combustion.
この船は燃料油として重油を使っています。
This ship uses heavy oil as fuel oil.
A slightly more abbreviated term for fuel oil, often used in shipping and logistics. It can also refer to bunker fuel.
燃油価格が高騰している。
Fuel oil prices are soaring.
Referring to the common household heating fuel, often used in portable heaters in Japan.
Kerosene, the most common type of fuel oil for home heating in Japan. Sold at gas stations and used in kerosene heaters (石油ストーブ).
寒いので灯油を買いに行きます。
It's cold, so I'm going to buy some kerosene.
灯油のポリタンクが空になった。
The kerosene plastic tank is empty.
Referring to the thick, residual fuel oil used in large engines and boilers.
Heavy oil, used in ships, power plants, and large industrial boilers. It is a type of fuel oil, but more specific.
この工場ではボイラーの燃料に重油を使っている。
This factory uses heavy oil as fuel for its boilers.
Referring to the fuel used in diesel engines, often considered a type of fuel oil.
Diesel fuel, lighter than heavy oil. Used in trucks, buses, and some cars. In some contexts, it may be classified as a fuel oil.
トラックに軽油を給油した。
I refueled the truck with diesel.
When speaking casually about fuel for heating or engines without specifying the type.
General word for 'fuel'. While not specifically 'fuel oil', it is often used in everyday conversation when the type of fuel is clear from context.
ストーブの燃料が切れた。
The heater ran out of fuel.
灯油 (kerosene) is for home heaters. 重油 (heavy oil) is for ships and factories. 軽油 (diesel) is for vehicles. If you just say 'fuel oil' in English, you need to choose the right one based on context.
オイル (oiru) usually means lubricating oil or cooking oil, not fuel oil. For fuel, use 燃料油 or the specific type.
燃料油の価格が上がった。
The price of fuel oil has increased.
冬に向けてもっと灯油を注文しないと。
We need to order more fuel oil for the winter.