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.
This sponge is porous and absorbs water well.
A more casual, descriptive phrase meaning 'has many holes'. Suitable for everyday conversation.
This fabric is porous, so it's breathable.
Specifically refers to water permeability, often used for pavements, soils, or membranes.
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.
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.
Literally 'coarse mesh', used to describe fabrics or nets with large holes. Can imply porosity in a loose sense.
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.
This security is porous; anyone can get in.
Means 'full of loopholes', used for laws, rules, or systems that are easily circumvented.
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.
This lotion is highly porous and quickly absorbed by the skin.
This net is porous, so small insects can pass through.
This law is porous and ineffective.
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.