Translation guide
The English word "mallow" refers to plants in the Malvaceae family. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 葵 (あおい), but this can also refer to hollyhocks or the family in general. For culinary uses like marshmallow, specific loanwords are used.
Referring to the mallow plant or family in a botanical or general context.
Referring to the confection marshmallow, originally made from the marsh mallow plant.
Standard term for the sweet confection marshmallow.
Referring to a particular mallow species, such as common mallow or marsh mallow.
Common mallow (Malva sylvestris). Used in botanical or herbal contexts.
Do not translate "marshmallow" as マシュマロウ (marsh mallow plant). The confection is always マシュマロ.
The mallow flowers are blooming.
Loanword from English, used in gardening or herbal contexts to specify mallow as distinct from hollyhock.
Mallow is used for herbal tea.
I roasted marshmallows and ate them.
Common mallow leaves are edible.
Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis). Rarely used outside specialized contexts.
Marsh mallow root is used medicinally.