Translation guide
The English word "plaster" has several distinct meanings: a building material for walls, a medical dressing for broken bones (a cast), and a small sticky bandage. Each meaning has different Japanese equivalents.
The substance spread on walls and ceilings to give a smooth hard surface.
Traditional Japanese plaster made from slaked lime and fiber, used on walls and ceilings. Common in both traditional and modern contexts.
Apply plaster to the wall.
Loanword from English, used for modern gypsum plaster or plasterboard. Common in construction contexts.
Gypsum plaster, often used for molds, casts, or medical purposes. Not typically used for wall plaster in everyday language.
A hard covering used to protect a broken bone while it heals.
A small piece of sticky material used to cover a minor cut or wound.
The standard term for a small adhesive bandage. Often used generically, though originally a brand name.
I cut my finger, so I put on a plaster.
From the brand 'Band-Aid', commonly understood. Slightly more casual.
I'll put a Band-Aid on for you.
A specific Japanese brand name sometimes used generically, but less common than 絆創膏.
Put a plaster on.
While both can be translated as 'plaster', 石膏 (gypsum) is primarily used for molds and medical casts, while 漆喰 (lime plaster) is for walls. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
In English, 'plaster' can mean both a cast for broken bones and a small bandage. In Japanese, these are completely different words: ギプス for a cast and 絆創膏 for a bandage. Context is key.
プラスターで壁を仕上げる。
Finish the wall with plaster.
石膏で型を取る。
Make a mold with plaster.
Literally 'plaster bandage', refers to the material used to make a cast. More technical.
Apply a plaster bandage.