Translation guide
The English word "secretion" refers to the process of producing and releasing a substance from a cell or gland, or the substance itself. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 分泌 (bunpitsu), which covers both the process and the substance. For biological contexts, 分泌物 (bunpitsubutsu) specifically means the secreted substance. In everyday language, terms like 汗 (ase, sweat) or 唾液 (daeki, saliva) are used for specific secretions.
Referring to the production and release of a substance by cells or glands, or the substance itself, in medical, scientific, or general contexts.
The standard term for secretion as a process or the substance. Used in medical and biological contexts. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to secrete'.
ホルモンの分泌が異常だ。
The secretion of hormones is abnormal.
胃液が分泌される。
Gastric juice is secreted.
Specifically refers to the secreted substance, not the process. Common in medical and biological texts.
傷口から分泌物が出ている。
A secretion is coming out of the wound.
Refers to a secreted fluid. More specific than 分泌物, used in technical contexts.
消化管の分泌液には酵素が含まれる。
The secretions of the digestive tract contain enzymes.
Referring to a particular type of secretion like sweat, saliva, mucus, etc., in everyday conversation.
In casual contexts, Japanese speakers use the specific term for the secretion rather than the generic 分泌. For example, 汗 (sweat), 涙 (tears), 唾液 (saliva), 鼻水 (runny nose mucus), 痰 (phlegm).
運動すると汗が出る。
When you exercise, you sweat (secretion of sweat).
唾液の分泌が少ない。
Saliva secretion is low.
The act of hiding or concealing something, a less common meaning of 'secretion' in English.
Means concealment or hiding, often used in legal or formal contexts. Not related to biological secretion.
証拠の隠匿は犯罪だ。
The secretion of evidence is a crime.
While 分泌 is correct in medical contexts, saying 汗の分泌 (ase no bunpitsu) in casual conversation sounds overly technical. Simply say 汗が出る (ase ga deru, sweat comes out) or use the specific word.
分泌 (bunpitsu) is the process or the general concept of secretion. 分泌物 (bunpitsubutsu) is the actual substance secreted. Use 分泌 when talking about the action or mechanism, and 分泌物 when referring to the material itself.
インスリンの分泌が不足している。
Insulin secretion is insufficient.
この分泌物は何ですか？
What is this secretion?