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.
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).
Means or method. Can be used for a medium of communication, but is broader (any means to an end).
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.
Size M is medium.
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.
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.
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.
This news was reported in many media outlets.
Language is a medium of communication.
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.