Translation guide
Describes a thick, sticky liquid that flows slowly. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 粘り気のある (nebarike no aru), but other words like どろっとした (dorotto shita) or 粘性の (nensei no) are used depending on context.
Describing a liquid that is thick, sticky, and flows slowly, like honey or syrup.
The most common and versatile way to say 'viscous' in everyday Japanese. Literally 'having stickiness/viscosity'. Used for liquids like syrup, honey, or glue.
This honey is very viscous.
A viscous liquid spilled on the floor.
An onomatopoeic adjective describing a thick, gooey, or syrupy consistency. Often used for liquids like melted chocolate, thick sauces, or mud. More sensory and informal than 粘り気のある.
This sauce is thick and delicious.
Describes a sticky, slimy, or gooey texture, often with a negative or unpleasant nuance. Used for natto, okra, or something unpleasantly sticky.
Natto is sticky/slimy.
A technical term meaning 'viscous' or 'of viscosity'. Used in scientific or engineering contexts.
This substance has high viscosity.
Referring to the physical property of viscosity, often in scientific or industrial contexts.
Emphasizing the slow, heavy flow of a very thick liquid.
Describes a smooth, thick, slightly syrupy liquid that flows slowly. Often used positively for food (e.g., melted cheese, cream).
Viscous melted cheese is on the bread.
Describes a thick, muddy, or sludgy consistency, often with a negative connotation. Used for mud, thick paint, or lava.
Viscous lava flowed from the volcano.
粘り気のある is the most neutral and widely used. どろっとした emphasizes a thick, gooey texture, often for food. ねばねばした implies a sticky, slimy, or stringy texture, often with a negative nuance (like natto or slime).
The English word 'viscous' is often used in technical contexts. In everyday Japanese, directly translating it as 粘性の (nensei no) sounds overly scientific. Use 粘り気のある or onomatopoeic words instead unless you are in a technical setting.