Translation guide
Describes materials or surfaces that allow liquids, gases, or light to pass through small openings. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 多孔質 (takōshitsu), but other words are used depending on context, such as materials, skin, or figurative meanings.
Describing a material or substance that has many small holes, allowing liquids or gases to pass through.
The standard technical and general term for 'porous', used for materials like sponges, rocks, ceramics, etc.
このスポンジは多孔質で、水をよく吸収する。
This sponge is porous and absorbs water well.
A more casual, descriptive phrase meaning 'has many holes'. Suitable for everyday conversation.
この布は穴が多いから、風通しがいい。
This fabric is porous, so it's breathable.
Specifically refers to water permeability, often used for pavements, soils, or membranes.
透水性の舗装は雨水を地下に浸透させる。
Porous pavement allows rainwater to seep into the ground.
Describing something that is breathable or permeable, especially in contexts like skincare, clothing, or filters.
Means 'breathable' or 'air-permeable'. Commonly used for fabrics, shoes, and skin.
このシャツは通気性があって、夏に快適だ。
This shirt is porous and comfortable in summer.
Refers to permeability, often for liquids or gases passing through a barrier. Used in scientific or skincare contexts.
この化粧水は浸透性が高く、肌にすぐ吸収される。
This lotion is highly porous and quickly absorbed by the skin.
Literally 'coarse mesh', used to describe fabrics or nets with large holes. Can imply porosity in a loose sense.
このネットは目が粗いから、小さな虫が通れる。
This net is porous, so small insects can pass through.
Describing something that is not secure or allows things to pass through easily, like a border, defense, or organization.
Slang for 'leaky' or 'full of holes', often used for security, regulations, or plans that are easily bypassed.
このセキュリティはザルだから、誰でも入れる。
This security is porous; anyone can get in.
Means 'full of loopholes', used for laws, rules, or systems that are easily circumvented.
この法律は抜け穴が多くて、実効性がない。
This law is porous and ineffective.
Means 'vulnerable' or 'fragile', often used for weak defenses or systems that can be easily penetrated.
Directly translating 'porous' as 多孔質 in non-material contexts (e.g., 'porous border') can sound unnatural. Use figurative expressions like ザル or 抜け穴が多い instead.
国境の警備は脆弱で、密入国者が後を絶たない。
The border security is porous, and illegal immigrants keep coming.