Translation guide
The Japanese word for petroleum is 石油 (せきゆ). It is the standard term used in everyday conversation, news, and technical contexts. Related terms like 原油 (げんゆ) for crude oil and ガソリン for gasoline are also important.
The learner wants to refer to petroleum as a substance or resource in a general sense.
This is the standard, all-purpose word for petroleum. It covers the raw material and its refined products in a broad sense.
Petroleum is a finite resource.
The learner wants to specifically refer to crude oil, the unrefined form of petroleum.
This means crude oil, the unprocessed liquid extracted from the ground. Use this when distinguishing from refined products.
The learner wants to talk about petroleum as a fuel for vehicles, often meaning gasoline.
This is the common word for gasoline (petrol). Use this for car fuel. Note: 石油 can also be used in some contexts, but ガソリン is more specific.
The learner wants to refer to products derived from petroleum, such as plastics or chemicals.
This means petroleum products. It covers a wide range of items made from petroleum.
石油 is the broad term for petroleum, including both crude oil and refined products. 原油 specifically means crude oil. ガソリン is gasoline. In everyday conversation, 石油 is often used when talking about the resource or heating oil, while ガソリン is used for car fuel.
Petroleum is a major energy source.
Petroleum is extracted in this region.
Crude oil prices are rising.
We import crude oil from the Middle East.
I refueled at a gas station.
Gasoline prices have gone up.
A technical term for gasoline, used in official or industrial contexts. Rare in everyday speech.
The gasoline tax is levied on gasoline.
This factory manufactures petroleum products.
Specifically petrochemical products, like plastics, synthetic fibers, etc.
Petrochemical products are indispensable in daily life.
crude oil futures
gasoline-powered car
While 石油 can technically encompass gasoline, saying 石油を入れる for 'put gas in the car' sounds unnatural. Use ガソリンを入れる instead.
Fill it up with gas, please.
The country exports crude oil.
I need to buy gasoline.