Translation guide
The English word "mold" has several distinct meanings: a fungus, a shaping container, and the act of shaping. This guide covers natural Japanese for each.
The furry or slimy growth that appears on old food or damp surfaces.
The most common and general word for mold or mildew. Used for food, walls, bathrooms, etc.
A hollow form used to give shape to a liquid or soft substance as it hardens.
General word for a mold, cast, or form used in manufacturing, cooking, or crafts.
To form or influence something into a particular shape or character.
カビ (mold fungus) and 型 (mold container) are completely different words. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
You can't use a mold that has mold on it.
The bread got moldy.
I cleaned the mold in the bathroom.
The kanji for カビ, but rarely used in everyday writing. Mostly seen in formal or scientific contexts.
Mold grows.
Grease the cake mold with butter.
We make parts using a plastic mold.
Specifically a mold for casting metal or other materials. Used in industrial contexts.
Pour molten iron into the casting mold.
A metal mold used in mass production, such as injection molding. Common in engineering.
We changed the design of the metal mold.
To shape, form, or mold something, often used for physical objects or abstract things like character.
I molded the clay into a vase.
Experience molds one's character.
To mold or shape using a form or press, often in manufacturing. More technical than 形作る.
We mold plastic into containers.