Translation guide
The English word "medium" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a means of communication, a middle size or degree, a spiritual intermediary, and a surrounding substance.
Referring to a channel or system of communication, such as television, radio, newspapers, or the internet.
The most common and general term for a medium of communication or information. Used for mass media, advertising media, etc.
インターネットは強力な媒体です。
The internet is a powerful medium.
Loanword from English, often used in compound words like マスメディア (mass media) or ソーシャルメディア (social media).
このニュースは多くのメディアで報道された。
This news was reported in many media outlets.
Means or method. Can be used for a medium of communication, but is broader (any means to an end).
言語はコミュニケーションの手段だ。
Language is a medium of communication.
Referring to something that is between small and large, or between two extremes in amount, intensity, etc.
The most common way to say 'medium' for size, often used in compounds like 中サイズ (medium size) or on menus.
Mサイズは中です。
Size M is medium.
コーヒーは中でお願いします。
A medium coffee, please.
Loanword from English, often used for steak doneness, clothing sizes, etc.
Means 'middle' or 'intermediate' in a more abstract sense, like a middle ground or intermediate level.
A person who claims to communicate with spirits or the dead.
The standard term for a spiritual medium.
彼女は霊媒として有名だ。
She is famous as a medium.
A traditional Japanese term for a person who summons spirits and speaks for them; often associated with Shinto or folk practices.
A substance in which something exists or grows, or through which something is transmitted (e.g., air, water, oil paint).
Also used for physical media like air or water as a transmission medium.
空気は音の媒体だ。
Air is a medium for sound.
Scientific term for a medium (physics, chemistry).
Specifically for art media like oil paint, watercolor, etc. Often used in compound with the type.
ミディアム is mainly for steak doneness or clothing sizes. For communication media, use 媒体 or メディア.
ステーキはミディアムで焼いてください。
Please cook the steak medium.
両者の中間を取る。
Take a medium between the two.
口寄せの儀式が行われた。
A medium's ritual was performed.
Light refracts depending on the medium.
Oil paint is a difficult medium to handle.