Translation guide
Menthol is a chemical compound found in mint plants, used for its cooling sensation and flavor. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to by the loanword メントール, but native terms exist for specific contexts.
menthol (substance)
Referring to menthol as a substance, ingredient, or flavor, especially in products like cigarettes, candy, or medicine.
The most common and widely understood term for menthol in modern Japanese, used in product labels, everyday conversation, and technical contexts.
These cigarettes contain menthol.
I like the cooling sensation of menthol.
Literally 'mint brain,' this is the traditional Japanese term for menthol crystals or the pure substance, often used in pharmaceutical or older contexts.
Mix menthol crystals into the ointment.
Kanji form of ハッカ脳, even more formal or literary. Rarely used in everyday contexts.
Menthol crystals are used in pharmaceuticals.
Describing the taste, smell, or cooling effect of menthol in food, drinks, or products.
Menthol-flavored. A straightforward way to describe something as having a menthol taste.
I bought menthol-flavored gum.
Mint-flavored, often implying a menthol-like cooling taste. More common in traditional Japanese sweets and products.
I like mint-flavored candy.
Having a refreshing/cooling sensation. Used to describe the effect of menthol without naming the substance directly.
In Japanese, メントール specifically refers to the chemical menthol, while ハッカ (薄荷) refers to the mint plant or mint flavor in general. If you want to say 'mint' (the herb), use ミント or ハッカ. Use メントール when you need to be precise about the cooling compound.
menthol crystals
This toothpaste has a cooling sensation.