Translation guide
The chemical element phosphorus (P). In Japanese, the primary term is リン (rin), a loanword from English/German. The traditional kanji term 燐 (rin) is also used, especially in scientific contexts. This guide covers how to refer to the element, its compounds, and related concepts.
Referring to the element itself, in general or scientific contexts.
The most common and standard term for phosphorus in modern Japanese. Used in everyday contexts, education, and industry. A loanword from English/German.
リンは肥料に使われる。
Phosphorus is used in fertilizer.
The atomic number of phosphorus is 15.
The traditional kanji for phosphorus. Still used in some scientific and technical contexts, but less common than リン. Often appears in compound words.
Phosphoric acid is important in the chemical industry.
Referring to specific phosphorus-containing substances or concepts.
Phosphoric acid. Commonly used in fertilizers, food additives, and industrial processes.
This soft drink contains phosphoric acid.
Phosphate (salt). Often used in the context of fertilizers, detergents, and biochemistry.
White/yellow phosphorus. A specific allotrope of phosphorus, known for its toxicity and use in military applications.
Red phosphorus. A more stable allotrope used in match heads and flame retardants.
Referring to phosphorus as a nutrient or its role in living organisms.
The phenomenon of glowing after exposure to light. Note: This is a different concept from the element, but the English word 'phosphorus' is etymologically related. In Japanese, the terms are distinct.
Phosphorescence. The kanji 燐 is the same as for the element, but this term specifically refers to the glow. Often used in scientific contexts.
Phosphorescent materials glow in the dark.
Literally 'stored light', this is the common term for glow-in-the-dark materials (like watch dials). Not strictly phosphorescence but often used interchangeably in everyday language.
While the English word 'phosphorus' can evoke the idea of glowing, in Japanese the element is simply リン, and the glow is 燐光. Using リン to mean 'glow' would be incorrect.
In modern Japanese, the katakana リン is overwhelmingly more common for the element. The kanji 燐 is still seen in compound words like 燐酸 (phosphoric acid) or 燐光 (phosphorescence), but using リン is always safe.
Phosphates are used as ingredients in detergents.
White phosphorus ignites spontaneously in air.
The side of the matchbox is coated with red phosphorus.
Excessive phosphorus intake can have adverse health effects.
この時計の文字盤は蓄光です。
The dial of this watch is glow-in-the-dark.