Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'membrane' depends on the context—whether it's biological, physical, or metaphorical. The most common term is 膜 (maku), which covers most uses.
膜
membrane (general/biological)
A thin, pliable layer of tissue or material that separates or connects parts in living organisms.
The most common and versatile word for 'membrane' in biological and general contexts. Can be used for cell membranes, mucous membranes, etc.
細胞膜は細胞を保護する。
The cell membrane protects the cell.
粘膜が炎症を起こしている。
The mucous membrane is inflamed.
Emphasizes thinness; often used for artificial or synthetic thin films, but also for biological thin membranes.
この薄膜は水を通さない。
This thin membrane does not allow water to pass through.
A thin sheet or film used in filtration, separation, or as a barrier in technology.
Also used for artificial membranes, such as in water filters or speakers.
逆浸透膜で水を浄化する。
Purify water with a reverse osmosis membrane.
Loanword from English, used in technical or industrial contexts, especially for filtration membranes.
A very thin layer of material, like a coating or a film on a surface.
Often used for a thin coating or film that forms on a surface, like a layer of paint or oxide.
金属の表面に酸化皮膜ができる。
An oxide film forms on the metal surface.
Specifically a thin film, often in physics or engineering contexts.
膜 is often used in compound words. For example, 細胞膜 (cell membrane), 粘膜 (mucous membrane), 鼓膜 (eardrum). Learning these compounds will help you express specific types of membranes naturally.
メンブレンフィルターを交換する。
Replace the membrane filter.
薄膜トランジスタ
thin-film transistor