Translation guide
The English verb 'smelt' has two main meanings: extracting metal from ore by heating, and a type of small fish. This guide focuses on the metallurgical sense, which is the primary meaning for learners.
To express the process of heating ore to extract metal, typically in industrial or historical contexts.
The standard technical term for smelting, used in industrial and scientific contexts.
To refer to the small fish of the family Osmeridae, often eaten fried or grilled.
The English word 'smelt' can be the past tense of 'smell', but that is unrelated. In Japanese, 'smell' is 匂い (におい) or 臭い (におい). Do not use 製錬 for 'smelled'.
This factory smelts iron ore.
Often used interchangeably with 製錬, but can imply refining or purifying metal. Note the different first kanji.
The technology for smelting copper advanced.
A more specific term emphasizing melting and refining, used in metallurgy.
Smelting aluminum requires high temperatures.
I went ice fishing for smelt in winter.
Capelin, often grilled and eaten whole. While not a true smelt, it is sometimes translated as 'smelt' in menus due to similar appearance and preparation.
シシャモ is technically capelin, not smelt, but often labeled as 'smelt' in English menus.
I ordered grilled smelt at the izakaya.
The Japanese smelt (Osmerus eperlanus mordax), a marine species. Rarely encountered in everyday conversation.
Smelt are caught in Hokkaido.