Translation guide
The English word 'mould' (or 'mold' in American English) refers to a fungus that grows on damp surfaces, a hollow container used to shape materials, or the act of shaping something. This guide covers the most common and useful Japanese expressions for each meaning, from everyday conversation to technical contexts.
The furry or slimy growth that appears on food, walls, or in damp places.
The most common and general word for mould/mold as a fungus. Used in everyday conversation.
パンにカビが生えた。
The bread got mouldy.
I cleaned the mould in the bathroom.
The kanji for カビ, but rarely used in modern writing. Usually written in kana.
Mould grows.
A hollow form used to give shape to molten or liquid materials like metal, plastic, or jelly.
General word for a mould, template, or pattern. Used in cooking, crafts, and manufacturing.
Remove the jelly from the mould.
Pour the metal into the mould.
Specifically a mould for casting metal. Used in industrial or artistic contexts.
A metal mould used in mass production, such as injection moulding.
To influence and form someone's personality, attitudes, or development.
To form or shape something abstract, like character or opinion. A formal but common verb.
Childhood experiences mould a person's character.
To raise or nurture, often implying shaping a person's growth. More everyday than 形成する.
To exert influence, often used when talking about moulding opinions or decisions.
To form a soft or malleable substance into a desired shape by hand or with tools.
To shape or form something, often with care or artistry. Used for clay, dough, etc.
I moulded the clay into a vase.
To knead or work a soft substance, like dough or clay, often as part of shaping it.
To mould or shape into a specific form, often used in manufacturing or technical contexts.
A machine that moulds plastic.
The English word 'mould' sounds similar to 'mold' and 'mole', but in Japanese, カビ is the fungus, while モル is a mole (animal) or a unit in chemistry. Be careful not to mix them up.
mouldy bread
Moles live underground.
型 is a general mould for any material, including jelly or cakes. 鋳型 is specifically for casting metal. Use 型 unless the context is clearly metal casting.
Pour molten iron into the casting mould.
Plastic products are made with metal moulds.
良い習慣を育てることが大切だ。
It's important to mould good habits.
His ideas moulded my opinion.
Knead the bread dough well (to mould it).
a bronze statue made with a casting mould