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.
General term for plants in the Malvaceae family, including mallow and hollyhock. Often used in names and traditional contexts.
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.
Referring to the confection marshmallow, originally made from the marsh mallow plant.
Standard term for the sweet confection marshmallow.
I roasted marshmallows and ate them.
Referring to a particular mallow species, such as common mallow or marsh mallow.
Do not translate "marshmallow" as マシュマロウ (marsh mallow plant). The confection is always マシュマロ.
Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis). Rarely used outside specialized contexts.
Marsh mallow root is used medicinally.