Translation guide
The English word 'mud' refers to wet, soft earth. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 泥 (どろ), but there are several related words for specific types of mud, such as sludge, slime, or mud used in different contexts. This guide covers the main Japanese words for mud and related concepts, from general to specific.
The most common, everyday word for mud, like the kind you find on the ground after rain.
The standard word for mud. It can refer to any soft, wet earth or dirt.
My shoes got dirty with mud.
After the rain, the road was covered in mud.
Mud that is particularly thick, sticky, or sludgy, often found at the bottom of ponds or in swamps.
Refers to sludge, ooze, or very thick, sticky mud, often with a negative connotation of pollution or stagnation.
Sludge has accumulated at the bottom of the pond.
Literally 'mud and soil', often used for thick, sticky mud, especially in literary or technical contexts.
Mud that is more like slime or goo, often with a negative or unpleasant feel.
Mud or clay used as a material, such as in building or making pottery.
Mud used for bathing or beauty treatments, often mineral-rich.
Used in compounds like 泥パック (mud pack) or 泥温泉 (mud hot spring).
Mud packs are said to be good for the skin.
Using 'mud' metaphorically to mean slander or a bad reputation.
泥 is the general word for mud, while ヘドロ specifically refers to thick, sludgy, often polluted mud or ooze. Use 泥 for everyday mud and ヘドロ for unpleasant, sticky sludge.
The English word 'mud' specifically means wet earth. If you mean dry dirt or soil, use 土 (つち). 泥 always implies wetness.
My car got stuck in the mud.
The children were playing in the mud.
泥んこ (どろんこ) is a colloquial, child-friendly word for mud.
The construction site was muddy with thick mud.
泥濘に沈む車。
A car sinking into the mire.
A house with mud walls.
I'm fed up with the politicians' mudslinging.