Translation guide
A large molecule composed of repeating structural units. In Japanese, the standard term is 高分子 (kōbunshi), but context determines whether to use the full term or a more specific expression.
The broad scientific concept of a high molecular weight compound.
Standard term in chemistry and materials science. Used in both technical and general contexts.
高分子は多くの繰り返し単位からなる。
High polymers consist of many repeating units.
When discussing synthetic or natural macromolecules in a scientific setting.
Explicitly means 'high molecular compound'. Common in textbooks and research papers.
この高分子化合物は耐熱性に優れている。
This high polymer compound has excellent heat resistance.
Loanword from English 'polymer'. Often used in industrial or commercial contexts, but less formal than 高分子.
When naming a particular type of high polymer, such as polyethylene or nylon.
In Japanese, specific polymers are usually referred to by their common names (often katakana loanwords) rather than the generic 'high polymer'.
ポリエチレンは代表的な高分子です。
Polyethylene is a typical high polymer.
高分子 is the standard scientific term and is preferred in academic writing. ポリマー is common in industry and everyday language, but may sound less precise in formal contexts.
この製品は特殊なポリマーでできている。
This product is made of a special polymer.