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.
スキムミルクを買ってきてください。
Please buy some skim milk.
このレシピにはスキムミルクを使います。
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.
脱脂乳は脂肪分がほとんど含まれていません。
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.
無脂肪乳はダイエットに適しています。
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.
カフェラテをスキムミルクでお願いします。
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.
アイスコーヒーを低脂肪乳でください。
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.
スキムミルクは脂肪を取り除いた牛乳のことです。
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.
スキムミルクの代わりに低脂肪乳を使っても大丈夫ですか？
Is it okay to use low-fat milk instead of skim milk?