Translation guide
Describes something that is like powder, covered in powder, or easily crumbled into powder. Japanese has different words depending on whether you mean a fine, dust-like texture, a light fluffy coating, or a dry crumbly consistency.
Describing something that consists of very fine particles, like flour, talc, or fine snow.
Literally 'powder form'. Used for substances that are in a fine powder state. Common in technical or descriptive contexts.
この粉状の物質は何ですか？
What is this powdery substance?
Similar to 粉状 but emphasizes the state of being ground into powder. Often used for foods or chemicals.
粉末状の砂糖を使います。
Use powdery sugar.
An adjective meaning 'powdery' in a sensory way—feels or tastes like powder. Often used for food textures that are dry or floury.
このケーキはちょっと粉っぽいね。
This cake is a bit powdery, isn't it?
Describing a surface that has a thin coating of fine particles, like snow, dust, or cosmetic powder.
Literally 'as if it has blown powder'. Used for surfaces lightly covered with powder, like a dusting of snow or flour.
山は粉をふいたような雪で覆われていた。
The mountain was covered with powdery snow.
Specifically means 'powder snow'—light, dry snow that doesn't pack easily. Common in skiing contexts.
北海道の粉雪は最高です。
Hokkaido's powdery snow is the best.
Means 'lightly dusted with powder'. Used for a thin, almost transparent layer of powder on something.
テーブルにうっすらと粉がかかっていた。
The table was lightly covered with a powdery dust.
Describing a substance that is dry and breaks apart into powder when touched, like chalk or dry soil.
Means 'brittle' or 'crumbly'. Used for things that break easily into small pieces or powder. Not exclusively powdery, but often fits.
この岩はもろくて、手で粉々になる。
This rock is powdery and crumbles in your hand.
A phrase meaning 'to become powder' or 'to crumble into fine pieces'. Describes the action of turning powdery.
乾燥した土は踏むと粉々になる。
The dry soil turns powdery when stepped on.
粉っぽい often carries a negative nuance for food (dry, floury taste). For a positive description like 'powdery snow', use 粉雪 or 粉をふいたような. For a neutral technical description, use 粉状 or 粉末状.