Translation guide
The English word 'plastic' can refer to the material itself, an adjective describing something made of plastic, or figuratively to something artificial or flexible. This guide focuses on the material and its common uses.
Referring to the synthetic material itself.
The most common and general word for plastic as a material. Used in everyday conversation.
This container is made of plastic.
Abbreviation of プラスチック, very common in casual speech and on recycling labels.
Technical term for synthetic resin, used in industrial or scientific contexts.
Describing an object as being made of plastic.
Use プラスチックの before a noun to mean 'plastic (something)'. This is the most natural way.
Please give me a plastic spoon.
Referring to plastic as a category of waste or recyclable material.
Common abbreviation for プラスチックごみ (plastic waste). Used in daily life for sorting trash.
Specifically a plastic shopping bag.
A plastic model kit, often for hobbyists.
Informal term for a credit card, derived from 'plastic money'.
The English word 'plastic' in 'plastic surgery' is not the material. Use 整形外科 (せいけいげか) for the medical field or 美容整形 (びようせいけい) for cosmetic surgery.
On Japanese products, look for the プラ mark (a square with プラ inside) to identify plastic packaging for recycling.
This toy is made of plastic.
This bag is plastic, so it's non-burnable trash.
This product uses synthetic resin.
Means 'made of plastic'. Often used on labels or in product descriptions.
Plastic cups are light.
Please put out plastic waste on Wednesdays.
Full form of plastic waste. Slightly more formal than プラごみ.
Please cooperate in sorting plastic waste.
The standard word for a plastic shopping bag you get at a store register.
Plastic bags are charged.
Often used for thin plastic bags, though technically vinyl. Very common in daily speech.
Can I have a plastic bag?
Abbreviation of プラスチックモデル. Refers to plastic model kits like Gundam or cars.
My hobby is building plastic models on weekends.
Slang for credit card, from the English 'plastic'. Not as common as カード.
Can I pay with plastic?
Do you need a plastic bag?
Common phrase at convenience stores