Translation guide
The process of converting something into glass or a glass-like substance, typically through heat. In Japanese, this is expressed with technical terms derived from the root for 'glass' (ガラス) or 'vitreous' (硝子/ガラス).
The process of turning a material into glass or a glassy state, especially in materials science, ceramics, or nuclear waste disposal.
The most common and direct translation, literally 'glass-ification'. Used in technical and scientific contexts.
The process of cooling biological material to a glass-like state without ice crystal formation, used in cryopreservation.
Same term as above, but used in cryobiology. Context distinguishes the meaning.
The act of making something glassy or vitreous in appearance or texture, not necessarily a technical process.
Literally 'to make into a glass-like state'. Used when describing a surface or material becoming glassy.
高温で砂がガラス状になった。
The sand became vitrified at high temperatures.
The term ガラス化 is the standard translation across most fields. If the context is clearly cryobiology or materials science, no additional clarification is needed. For general audiences, you may need to explain the process.
Directly translating 'vitrification' as ビトリフィケーション is rare and may sound overly technical or foreign. Stick to ガラス化 unless you are in a very specialized international context.
放射性廃棄物のガラス化技術が進歩している。
Vitrification technology for radioactive waste is advancing.
Uses the kanji for 'glass' (硝子). More formal or written, but less common than ガラス化.
この物質は高温で硝子化する。
This material vitrifies at high temperatures.
Direct loanword from English. Used in highly specialized contexts, but may not be widely understood.
ビトリフィケーションはガラス固化のプロセスです。
Vitrification is the process of glass solidification.
卵子のガラス化保存は不妊治療で使われている。
Vitrification of oocytes is used in fertility treatment.
Specifically 'vitrification preservation', often used in medical contexts.
ガラス化保存法は細胞の生存率を高める。
The vitrification preservation method increases cell survival rates.
To become glassy in quality. Often used in geology or materials description.
火山岩は急冷するとガラス質になる。
Volcanic rock becomes vitreous when cooled rapidly.