Translation guide
In Japanese, pH is expressed using the same term, but pronunciation and usage differ slightly. This guide covers how to talk about pH in everyday and technical contexts.
What is the pH?
Referring to the pH scale or a specific pH value
The most common way to say pH in Japanese. Pronounced ピーエイチ (pī eichi). Used in both casual and formal contexts.
The pH of this water is 7.
Please measure the pH.
An older, German-derived pronunciation still used by some older speakers or in certain industries. Less common today.
We use pH test paper.
Describing products (e.g., skincare) that are pH-balanced
Commonly used in cosmetics and skincare to mean 'pH-balanced'.
This lotion is pH-balanced.
Literally 'weakly acidic', often used for skin-friendly products. Not a direct translation of pH, but conveys a similar concept.
In modern Japanese, pH is almost always pronounced ピーエイチ (pī eichi), from English. The older pronunciation ペーハー (pēhā) from German is now rare.
It's a mild, weakly acidic soap.