Translation guide
The act of dispersing liquid in fine droplets, often using a tool or device. In Japanese, the expression depends on the tool, the substance, and the purpose.
spraying (general)
Use スプレー for everyday items like hairspray or deodorant.
To spray a liquid from a container, such as a spray bottle, aerosol can, or hose.
Spray disinfectant.
Spray pesticide.
Loanword from English, very common in daily conversation. Used as a noun or with する to mean 'to spray'.
Apply hair spray.
Spray insect repellent.
Often used for spreading or scattering substances like pesticides, fertilizers, or water over an area. More about distribution than misting.
Spray (distribute) pesticide.
Sprinkle water (over an area).
To spray or blow onto a surface, often with force. Used for painting, coating, or applying something by spraying.
Spray paint (onto a surface).
To spray water using a hose, nozzle, or similar device, often for cleaning or gardening.
Literally 'scatter water', used for watering plants or sprinkling water on the ground. Not necessarily a fine mist.
Water the garden (with a hose).
Sprinkle water (to settle dust or cool the ground).
Discharging water forcefully, as from a fire hose or water cannon. Not for gentle spraying.
Used for a shower-like spray, e.g., from a shower head or a watering can rose. Often used as 'シャワーを浴びる' (take a shower) but can mean the spray itself.
To apply paint, varnish, or other coatings using a spray gun or aerosol.
To apply pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers over agricultural land.
噴霧 (ふんむ) is a general term for spraying a fine mist, often used in technical or formal contexts. スプレー is a loanword used for consumer spray products and casual actions. 散布 (さんぷ) emphasizes scattering or distributing over an area, commonly used for agricultural or large-scale applications.
disinfectant spraying (mist)
pesticide spraying (distribution)
While スプレー is common for consumer products, it may sound odd for industrial or agricultural spraying. Use 噴霧 or 散布 instead.
He is spraying water on the plants.
Casual; 水をまく is also natural.
The farmer is spraying pesticide.
Spray insecticide (directly onto something).
消防士が放水する。
Firefighters spray water.
シャワーで水をかける。
Spray water with a shower head.