Translation guide
The plant, its flavor, or products flavored with it. In Japanese, the loanword ペパーミント is widely understood, but the traditional term 薄荷 (はっか) is also common, especially for the plant and traditional uses.
peppermint (plant/flavor)
peppermint (traditional/plant)
Also used for mint in general.
Referring to the peppermint plant itself.
The most common and direct way to refer to the peppermint plant in everyday conversation.
I planted peppermint in the garden.
The traditional Japanese word for mint, including peppermint. Often used in botanical or traditional contexts.
Literally 'Western mint', a botanical term specifically for peppermint (Mentha × piperita). Used in scientific or precise contexts.
Peppermint is a type of mint.
Describing the taste or smell of peppermint.
Used as a noun or with の to describe flavor/scent. Common in food and product contexts.
This gum is peppermint-flavored.
Often used broadly for mint flavors, including peppermint. Common in casual contexts.
Can refer to the flavor/scent in traditional or medicinal contexts, but less common than ペパーミント for modern products.
Referring to items made with or flavored by peppermint.
Used as a noun or prefix for various products. Very common.
Would you like a cup of peppermint tea?
Often used interchangeably with ペパーミント for candies and gums, though it can include other mints.
Specifically peppermint oil, often in aromatherapy or traditional medicine.
ペパーミント is the most specific and common for peppermint in modern contexts. ミント is a broader term for mint, often used for flavor. 薄荷 is the traditional Japanese word, still used in botanical and medicinal contexts, but can sound old-fashioned for everyday products.
peppermint gum
mint gum (could be spearmint or peppermint)
mint gum (less common, may sound traditional)
薄荷は繁殖力が強いです。
Peppermint is highly prolific.
I like the scent of peppermint.
I'll have mint ice cream, please.
薄荷の清涼感が特徴です。
It features the refreshing sensation of peppermint.
Have a peppermint candy.
ミントタブレットを持っていますか。
Do you have any mint tablets?
薄荷油を数滴たらしてください。
Please add a few drops of peppermint oil.