Translation guide
The English word 'spray' covers several distinct actions and objects. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean spraying liquid, a spray can, mist, or a decorative plant spray.
Expressing the action of spraying liquid from a container or device.
General verb for spraying liquid by blowing or using a spray mechanism. Works for water, perfume, cleaning products, etc.
植物に水を吹きかけた。
I sprayed water on the plants.
香水を手首に吹きかける。
She sprays perfume on her wrist.
Loanword from English, very common for using a spray can or bottle. Casual and widely understood.
ヘアスプレーを髪にスプレーした。
I sprayed hairspray on my hair.
この洗剤はスプレーして拭くだけです。
Just spray this cleaner and wipe it off.
Technical or formal term for atomizing or spraying fine mist. Used in industrial, agricultural, or medical contexts.
農薬を噴霧する。
Spray pesticide.
Referring to the container that sprays liquid.
The most common word for a spray can or bottle (e.g., hairspray, deodorant, cleaning spray).
スプレー缶を捨てる前にガスを抜いてください。
Please release the gas before throwing away the spray can.
A sprayer or atomizer device, often used for gardening or cleaning. More specific than スプレー.
Describing the fine liquid particles in the air, like sea spray or mist.
Splash or spray of water, such as from waves or a waterfall.
波のしぶきが顔にかかった。
The spray from the waves hit my face.
Mist or fog. Can be used for very fine spray, like from a humidifier.
加湿器から霧が出ている。
Mist is coming out of the humidifier.
Literary or poetic term for water spray or mist, like from a waterfall.
Referring to a small branch or bunch of flowers used in decoration.
In floristry, スプレー refers to a spray of flowers, like a corsage or a decorative bunch.
スプレーバラをブーケに使う。
Use spray roses in the bouquet.
A small branch or twig, sometimes used in arrangements. Not a direct translation but can describe the physical object.
While スプレー is common for spray cans and the action of spraying, it is not used for natural water spray like ocean mist. Use しぶき or 霧 for that.
波のしぶき
sea spray
吹きかける is a native Japanese verb and can be used for any spraying action, including with the mouth. スプレーする specifically implies using a spray device. In daily conversation, スプレーする is very common for products.
霧吹きで水を吹きかける。
Spray water with a mist sprayer.
制汗剤をスプレーする。
Spray antiperspirant.
彼女は首に香水を吹きかけた。
She sprayed perfume on her neck.
新しいスプレーボトルを買わなきゃ。
I need to buy a new spray bottle.
滝のしぶきが気持ちよかった。
The spray from the waterfall felt refreshing.
Spray disinfectant with a sprayer.
滝の水煙が虹を作った。
The spray from the waterfall created a rainbow.
Decorate with a flowering spray.