Translation guide
A substance used to reduce friction between surfaces. In Japanese, the most common word is 潤滑油 for machinery, while 潤滑剤 is a broader term. For personal use, ローション is standard.
A substance like oil or grease used to reduce friction in engines, machines, or mechanical parts.
The most common term for lubricating oil used in machinery and engines.
エンジンに潤滑油を注してください。
Please add lubricant to the engine.
A broader term for any lubricating agent, including oils, greases, and solid lubricants.
この潤滑剤は高温に強いです。
This lubricant is resistant to high temperatures.
Specifically refers to grease, a semi-solid lubricant.
ベアリングにグリースを塗ってください。
Please apply grease to the bearings.
A gel or liquid used to reduce friction during sexual activity or for personal comfort.
The standard term for personal lubricant, often used in sexual contexts.
ローションを買いに行った。
I went to buy lubricant.
Literally 'lubricating jelly', a more clinical term sometimes used for medical or personal lubricants.
医者から潤滑ゼリーをもらいました。
I received lubricating jelly from the doctor.
Something that makes a process or interaction smoother, often used metaphorically.
Can be used metaphorically to mean something that facilitates smooth operation, like 'social lubricant'.
お酒は社交の潤滑油だ。
Alcohol is a social lubricant.
Using 潤滑剤 in a personal context can sound overly clinical or awkward. Stick to ローション for everyday conversation about personal lubricant.