Translation guide
An insulator is a material that does not easily allow heat, electricity, or sound to pass through it. In Japanese, the most common word is 絶縁体 (ぜつえんたい) for electrical insulation, but other terms exist depending on context.
A material that prevents the flow of electric current.
The standard technical term for an electrical insulator. Used in physics and engineering contexts.
ゴムは良い絶縁体です。
Rubber is a good insulator.
A less common synonym for electrical insulator, literally 'non-conductor'. Mainly in technical writing.
この物質は不導体として使われる。
This material is used as an insulator.
Specifically refers to a ceramic or glass insulator used on power lines or electrical equipment. Not for general insulating materials.
電柱に碍子が取り付けられている。
Insulators are attached to the utility pole.
A material that reduces heat transfer.
The standard term for thermal insulation material, used in construction and engineering.
壁に断熱材を入れると暖かくなる。
If you put insulation in the walls, it gets warmer.
Emphasizes keeping heat in, often for pipes, containers, or clothing. 'Heat-retaining material'.
このジャケットは保温材が入っています。
This jacket has insulation in it.
A more formal or scientific term for a thermal insulator as a substance, less common than 断熱材.
真空は優れた断熱体である。
A vacuum is an excellent thermal insulator.
A material that blocks or absorbs sound.
General term for soundproofing or sound-insulating material.
スタジオの壁には防音材が使われている。
Sound-insulating material is used on the studio walls.
Specifically refers to materials that block sound transmission, often used in construction.
遮音材を床に敷くと足音が減る。
Laying sound-insulating material on the floor reduces footsteps.
Material that absorbs sound rather than blocking it, like acoustic foam.
吸音材で反響を抑える。
Suppress echoes with sound-absorbing material.
Something that isolates or protects from outside influence.
Can be used for any insulating object or material, but often implies electrical insulation. Sometimes used figuratively.
彼は社会からの絶縁物のような生活を送っている。
He lives like an insulator from society.
For figurative use, it's often better to rephrase as 'something that isolates from ~'. There is no single common word.
この組織は外部の影響から隔離するものだ。
This organization is an insulator from outside influence.
These are not interchangeable. 絶縁体 is for electricity, 断熱材 for heat, and 防音材 for sound. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
ゴムは絶縁体で、グラスウールは断熱材です。
Rubber is an electrical insulator, and glass wool is a thermal insulator.
The loanword インシュレーター exists but is rare and mainly used in specific technical fields or brand names. It's safer to use the native terms above.