Translation guide
The English word 'tin' can refer to the metal, a container, or a baking pan. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese word based on what they mean.
Referring to the chemical element tin (Sn), the soft silvery metal.
The standard word for the metal tin. Often written in katakana, but the kanji is 錫.
This container is made of tin.
Kanji form of スズ, used in more formal or technical contexts.
錫は融点が低い金属です。
Tin is a metal with a low melting point.
A sealed metal container for food, drinks, or other products.
General word for a can or tin can. Used for food cans, drink cans, etc.
缶詰を開けてください。
Please open the tin can.
空き缶はリサイクルに出します。
I put empty tins out for recycling.
Specifically refers to canned food, the contents of a tin.
A metal container used for baking cakes, bread, etc.
General word for a mold or baking pan. Often combined with the shape or purpose.
ケーキ型にバターを塗ってください。
Grease the cake tin with butter.
A flat baking sheet or tray, not a deep tin.
クッキーを天板に並べます。
Arrange the cookies on the baking tin.
Thin metal sheet used for wrapping food, often called 'tin foil' even when made of aluminum.
The common term for aluminum foil. 'Tin foil' is a misnomer in English, but this is the equivalent.
アルミホイルで包んで焼きます。
Wrap it in tin foil and bake.
While スズ (tin) is the metal, calling a can スズ sounds like you are talking about the material, not the object. Use 缶 for everyday cans.
ツナの缶詰を買いました。
I bought a tin of tuna.