コーキング
kōkingu
In Japanese, the word for caulk is コーキング (kōkingu).
The term コーキング is a loanword derived from the English word 'caulking'.
Meaning: substance for filling and/or sealing (noun)
Which one should you use?
目地材 specifically refers to caulking material used to fill gaps or joints, and シーリング剤 is used specifically for sealing caulk or sealant.
How do you pronounce it?
kōkingu
Did you know?
- In Japanese construction, the word 目地 inside 目地材 literally translates to 'eye joint'. This poetic term refers to the intentional gaps left between bricks or tiles to allow for movement and drainage.
- Traditional Japanese builders often used 漆 (urushi), a toxic sap from the lacquer tree, to seal joints before the introduction of modern コーキング.
- The term シーリング剤 is an example of 'Wasei-eigo', or Japanese-made English. While it uses English roots, the specific combination of 'sealing' and the Japanese word for 'agent' 剤 is a unique linguistic construction used in Japanese industry.
Examples in context
- 新しいコーキング剤を買いました。atarashii kōkingu-zai o kaimashita.I bought a new caulk sealant.
- コーキングが剥がれています。kōkingu ga hagarete imasu.The caulk is peeling off.
- 窓のコーキングをやり直しましょう。mado no kōkingu o yarinaoshimashō.Let's redo the caulk around the window.
Example conversation
Two people are checking a leaky bathroom sink.
- 美咲 Misakiすみません、コーキングが剥がれているみたいです。sumimasen, kōkingu ga hagarete iru mitai desu.Excuse me, it looks like the caulk is peeling.
- 陽太 Yota本当ですね。すぐ直しましょう。hontō desu ne. sugu naoshimashō.You're right. Let's fix it immediately.
- 美咲 Misakiコーキング剤はどこにありますか？kōkingu-zai wa doko ni arimasu ka?Where is the caulk sealant?
- 陽太 Yota道具箱の中にありますよ。dōgubako no naka ni arimasu yo.It is inside the toolbox.
