Translation guide
In Japanese, skim milk is commonly referred to as スキムミルク (sukimu miruku) or 脱脂乳 (だっしにゅう). The loanword is widely understood, while the native term is more technical. This guide covers how to express the concept naturally in various contexts.
Referring to skim milk as a product or ingredient in everyday conversation.
The most common and natural way to say 'skim milk' in Japanese. It is a loanword from English and is widely used in recipes, cafes, and supermarkets.
Please buy some skim milk.
This recipe uses skim milk.
The native Japanese term for skim milk, literally 'defatted milk'. It is more formal and often used in nutritional contexts or on product labels.
Skim milk contains almost no fat.
Literally 'fat-free milk'. This term is sometimes used interchangeably with skim milk, but it is less common and may appear on some product packaging.
Fat-free milk is suitable for dieting.
Specifying skim milk when ordering coffee or tea at a cafe.
Use this phrase after stating your drink order to request it made with skim milk. The particle で indicates the means or ingredient.
A cafe latte with skim milk, please.
Literally 'with low-fat milk'. In Japan, low-fat milk is often used as a substitute for skim milk in cafes, as true skim milk may not always be available. This phrase is very natural and commonly understood.
Iced coffee with low-fat milk, please.
Explaining that milk has had its fat removed, often in a descriptive or explanatory context.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'milk with the fat removed'. Useful when explaining what skim milk is to someone unfamiliar with the term.
Skim milk is milk with the fat removed.
True skim milk (0% fat) is not as common in Japanese supermarkets as low-fat milk (低脂肪乳). When a recipe calls for skim milk, 低脂肪乳 is often used as a substitute. In cafes, asking for スキムミルク may result in them using low-fat milk.
Is it okay to use low-fat milk instead of skim milk?