Translation guide
The process of extracting metal from its ore by heating and melting. In Japanese, the most common general term is 製錬 (seiren), but specific words are used depending on the metal and method.
The broad process of obtaining metal from ore through heat, often in an industrial context.
The standard technical term for smelting, covering the entire process of extracting and refining metals from ores. Used in industrial and scientific contexts.
Smelting copper requires high temperatures.
This factory carries out iron smelting.
Often overlaps with 製錬, but can emphasize refining or purifying metal. In some contexts, it's used interchangeably, though 製錬 is more strictly 'smelting from ore'.
Aluminum smelting uses a large amount of electricity.
Specifically refers to smelting by melting, often used in technical metallurgy. Less common in everyday language.
Ore is melted in a smelting furnace.
Referring to the actual melting and reduction in a furnace, often for iron.
Ironmaking; specifically the process of producing iron from iron ore, which includes smelting in a blast furnace. This is the most natural term when talking about iron smelting.
At the ironworks, iron is made from iron ore.
Blast furnace smelting; a more technical term specifying the method.
Describing historical or artisanal metal extraction, such as in archaeology or traditional crafts.
Traditional Japanese iron smelting using a clay furnace (tatara). Well-known in historical contexts and for making Japanese swords.
Tatara iron smelting has been practiced since ancient times.
A primitive form of tatara smelting done outdoors. Very specific historical term.
Melting scrap metal to reuse it, not necessarily from ore.
Melting or dissolving; commonly used for melting down metals for recycling. Not strictly 'smelting' from ore, but often used in contexts like aluminum can recycling.
Aluminum cans are melted down and recycled.
Remelting; specifically melting again for reprocessing.
製錬 (seiren) is the general term for smelting from ore. 精錬 (seiren) often implies refining or purifying metal, and can be used for processes like electrolytic refining. 溶錬 (youren) specifically means smelting by melting. In many industrial contexts, 製錬 is the safest choice.
溶かす (tokasu) means 'to melt' but does not convey the chemical reduction process of smelting. It's fine for melting metal, but not for extracting metal from ore.
Blast furnace smelting is a central process in the steel industry.
Nodatara is a simple iron smelting method practiced in mountainous areas.
An electric furnace is used for remelting scrap.