Translation guide
The degree to which a material or membrane allows liquids, gases, or other substances to pass through it. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 透過性 (とうかせい), used across scientific and technical contexts. Related terms like 浸透性 (しんとうせい) and 通気性 (つうきせい) apply to specific domains such as osmosis or breathability.
Describing how easily a substance passes through a material or membrane, used in physics, engineering, geology, etc.
The standard term for permeability in most scientific and technical contexts. Refers to the property of allowing light, gas, liquid, etc. to pass through.
この膜は高い透過性を持っている。
This membrane has high permeability.
土壌の透過性を測定する。
Measure the permeability of the soil.
Often used for permeability involving liquids or osmosis, especially in biology, chemistry, and soil science. Implies gradual penetration.
細胞膜の浸透性が変化する。
The permeability of the cell membrane changes.
Specifically refers to water permeability, common in civil engineering, geology, and textiles.
この舗装は透水性が高い。
This pavement has high water permeability.
Refers to air permeability or breathability, used for fabrics, building materials, and packaging.
このジャケットは通気性が良い。
This jacket has good breathability.
In physics, the measure of a material's ability to support the formation of a magnetic field.
Describing how easily ideas, influences, or people can pass through boundaries, often used in social sciences or abstract contexts.
Can be used metaphorically, similar to English, to describe the permeability of borders, cultures, or systems.
国境の透過性が高まっている。
The permeability of borders is increasing.
Literally 'easy to permeate', used to describe ideas or influences that spread easily.
新しい思想が社会に浸透しやすい。
New ideas easily permeate society.
透過性 (とうかせい) is the broadest term for permeability, covering light, gas, liquid, etc. 浸透性 (しんとうせい) emphasizes gradual penetration, often of liquids or through osmosis. 通気性 (つうきせい) is specifically for air or breathability. Use 透水性 (とうすいせい) for water permeability in engineering contexts.
In physics, magnetic permeability is always 透磁率 (とうじりつ), not 透過性. Using 透過性 in that context would be incorrect.