Translation guide
Describes something that looks, sounds, or tastes like metal. Japanese uses different words depending on the sense.
Describing a surface, color, or finish that looks like metal.
Standard adjective meaning 'metallic' in appearance or quality. Often used for colors, finishes, or abstract qualities.
あの車は金属的な塗装がされている。
That car has a metallic paint job.
Describing a sharp, ringing sound, like a clang or clank.
Describing a sharp, unpleasant taste often associated with blood or certain chemicals.
Literally 'a taste like metal'. The most common way to express metallic taste.
この水は金属のような味がする。
This water tastes metallic.
金属的 (きんぞくてき) is the native Japanese adjective and can be used for abstract qualities as well as physical appearance. メタリック is a loanword primarily used for colors, paints, and fashion items. For sounds, 金属音 or 金属的な音 are preferred; メタリック is rarely used for sounds.
While 'metallic taste' is common in English, directly translating it as 金属的な味 is understandable but less natural than 金属のような味 or 金気. Use 金気 especially for water or blood.
Loanword from English, commonly used for colors, paints, and fashion. Often implies a shiny, reflective quality.
メタリックブルーのネイルが人気です。
Metallic blue nails are popular.
Literally 'having metallic luster'. More descriptive and formal, used in technical or product descriptions.
この生地は金属光沢のある仕上がりです。
This fabric has a metallic finish.
Noun meaning 'metallic sound'. Often used with がする or を立てる.
何かが落ちて金属音がした。
Something fell and made a metallic sound.
Adjectival phrase meaning 'metallic sound'. Slightly more descriptive than 金属音.
ドアを閉めると金属的な音が響いた。
When I closed the door, a metallic sound echoed.
Means 'high-pitched' or 'shrill', often used for metallic clangs or screeches.
ブレーキが甲高い金属音を立てた。
The brakes made a high-pitched metallic sound.
Noun meaning 'metallic taste' (literally 'metal feeling'). Often used in contexts like well water or blood.
井戸水に金気がある。
The well water has a metallic taste.