Translation guide
In Japanese, 'paraffin' can refer to several distinct substances: paraffin wax (for candles, crafts, sealing), liquid paraffin (a mineral oil used as a laxative or cosmetic ingredient), and kerosene (the fuel). The correct term depends entirely on what you mean.
The white, waxy solid used in candle-making, crafts, food coating, or sealing jars.
The most common and direct loanword for paraffin wax. Widely understood in everyday contexts like crafts and candles.
We use paraffin for candle making.
Explicitly 'paraffin wax'. Used when you need to distinguish it from liquid paraffin or other waxes.
This paraffin wax has a low melting point.
The kanji term for paraffin wax, literally 'stone wax'. Mainly seen in technical or chemical contexts.
A clear, odorless oil used as a laxative or in skincare products.
The standard term for liquid paraffin in pharmaceutical and cosmetic contexts. Often found in ingredient lists.
This lotion contains liquid paraffin.
Often used interchangeably with liquid paraffin in cosmetics, though technically a broader category.
The main ingredient of baby oil is mineral oil.
The liquid fuel used in heaters, lamps, and jet engines. Called 'paraffin' in British English.
The everyday word for kerosene used in home heaters and lamps. This is what British English speakers mean by 'paraffin'.
It's cold, so I'm going to buy some paraffin.
The loanword 'kerosene', used in technical or industrial contexts, or when referring to jet fuel.
In Japanese, パラフィン (paraffin) almost always means the solid wax. If you ask for パラフィン at a hardware store expecting kerosene, you'll get a blank stare. Use 灯油 (とうゆ) for the fuel.
Excuse me, where is the paraffin? (UK: kerosene)
パラフィン = solid wax. 流動パラフィン = liquid paraffin/mineral oil. 灯油 = kerosene (heating fuel). These are completely different products in Japanese, so context is crucial.
石蝋は石油から得られる。
Paraffin wax is obtained from petroleum.
ジェットエンジンの燃料はケロシンです。
Jet engine fuel is kerosene.