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.
plastic (material)
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.
This bag is plastic, so it's non-burnable trash.
Technical term for synthetic resin, used in industrial or scientific contexts.
This product uses synthetic resin.
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.
Means 'made of plastic'. Often used on labels or in product descriptions.
Plastic cups are light.
Referring to plastic as a category of waste or recyclable material.
Specifically a plastic shopping bag.
A plastic model kit, often for hobbyists.
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.
Informal term for a credit card, derived from 'plastic money'.
Slang for credit card, from the English 'plastic'. Not as common as カード.
Can I pay with plastic?
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.
Do you need a plastic bag?
Common phrase at convenience stores