Translation guide
A manufactured food designed for feeding babies under 12 months, used as a substitute for or supplement to breast milk. In Japanese, the most common term is 粉ミルク (powdered formula), but liquid and specialized types exist.
The standard powdered milk product mixed with water for bottle-feeding.
The most common, everyday term for powdered infant formula. Used in stores, homes, and hospitals.
Please dissolve the powdered formula in hot water.
A more formal or technical term often seen on product labels and in medical contexts. Literally 'powdered milk for child-rearing'.
Pre-mixed liquid formula that does not require adding water.
The standard term for ready-to-feed liquid infant formula. Gaining popularity in Japan since approval for domestic production in 2018.
Formula for babies with specific dietary needs, such as milk protein allergy or low birth weight.
General term for hypoallergenic formula. Often specifically refers to formulas for cow's milk protein allergy.
Formula designed for babies over 6 months, often as part of weaning.
A catch-all term that can refer to any type of infant formula.
In the context of babies, ミルク almost always means infant formula, not cow's milk. However, it can be ambiguous, so clarify if needed.
Without context, ミルク can mean cow's milk or even breast milk. When talking about bottle-feeding, it's understood as formula.
When talking about babies, ミルク means formula. If you want to specify cow's milk, say 牛乳 (ぎゅうにゅう). Saying ミルク in a non-baby context usually means coffee creamer or just milk in general, so context is key.
If you need to buy formula, ask for 粉ミルク (こなミルク) or 液体ミルク (えきたいミルク). Just saying ミルク might get you cow's milk or coffee creamer.
This powdered formula can be used from newborns.
The formula preparation instructions are written on the can of infant formula.
Liquid formula is useful during disasters.
Liquid formula can be fed as is.
Formal term used on packaging and in official contexts.
Infant liquid formula can be stored at room temperature.
Since my baby has a milk allergy, we use hypoallergenic formula.
Formula specifically for low birth weight infants, often used in NICUs.
Formula for low birth weight infants is higher in calories.
Standard term for follow-up formula, typically for babies 6–12 months or older. Not a complete substitute for breast milk or regular formula.
Follow-up formula is given along with baby food.
It's time for formula.
After feeding formula, please burp the baby.
Literally 'artificial milk', a technical term used in medical or nutritional contexts. Not common in everyday speech.
If breast milk is not available, artificial milk (formula) is used.