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.
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.
The cell membrane protects the cell.
The mucous membrane is inflamed.
Emphasizes thinness; often used for artificial or synthetic thin films, but also for biological thin membranes.
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.
A very thin layer of material, like a coating or a film on a surface.
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.
Replace the membrane filter.
薄膜トランジスタ
thin-film transistor