Translation guide
The concept of insulation covers thermal, electrical, and sound insulation, as well as figurative isolation. This guide helps learners express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Material or method to prevent heat transfer, commonly used in construction and appliances.
The standard term for thermal insulation material. Used in construction, refrigerators, etc.
この家は断熱材がしっかり入っている。
This house has good insulation.
Refers to thermal insulation as a concept or action. Often used in compounds.
断熱効果を高めるために窓を二重にした。
We double-glazed the windows to improve insulation.
Specifically refers to heat-retaining material, often for pipes or containers.
配管に保温材を巻く。
Wrap insulation around the pipes.
Material or property that prevents electric current flow.
Electrical insulator material. Common in physics and engineering contexts.
ゴムは良い絶縁体だ。
Rubber is a good insulator.
The act or state of electrical insulation. Used in technical contexts.
Material or method to block or reduce sound transmission.
Soundproofing material. Used in rooms, studios, etc.
壁に防音材を入れる。
Install sound insulation in the walls.
Sound-blocking material, emphasizing blocking rather than absorbing.
遮音材で騒音を減らす。
Reduce noise with sound insulation.
Soundproofing as a concept. Often used in compounds like 防音室 (soundproof room).
State of being protected or isolated from outside influences, often used metaphorically.
Means isolation, often used for social or political insulation. Not a direct translation but conveys the figurative sense.
その国は国際社会から孤立している。
That country is insulated from the international community.
Means 'being protected', can imply insulation from harm or influence.
彼は批判から守られている。
He is insulated from criticism.
Means 'being cut off', used for insulation from information or external factors.
彼らは外部の情報から遮断されている。
They are insulated from outside information.
The loanword インシュレーション is sometimes used in technical fields, but 断熱材 is much more common and natural for thermal insulation in everyday contexts.
断熱 (thermal insulation) focuses on preventing heat transfer, while 保温 (heat retention) focuses on keeping something warm. For building insulation, 断熱 is standard.
絶縁抵抗を測定する。
Measure the insulation resistance.
Loanword from English, used in some technical fields but less common than 絶縁体.
このインシュレーターは高電圧に耐える。
This insulator withstands high voltage.
防音がしっかりしているアパートを探している。
I'm looking for an apartment with good sound insulation.