Learning how to say “lotion” in Japanese can come in handy when shopping for skincare products or communicating with Japanese speakers. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the formal and informal ways to express “lotion” in Japanese. While there are no significant regional variations, we’ll focus on the commonly used terms across Japan. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Lotion” in Japanese
When addressing the term “lotion” formally, you can use the word “rooshon” (ローション). This term is widely understood across Japan and refers to skincare lotions or toners. It can be used in both professional and everyday situations. Here’s an example sentence for clarity:
Watashi wa kirei na rooshon o kaimashita. (私はきれいなローションを買いました。) – I bought a beautiful lotion.
Informal Ways to Say “Lotion” in Japanese
In casual conversations, you may come across alternative terms for “lotion.” One common informal word used for “lotion” is “bijin-su” (美人水). The term “bijin-su” translates to “beauty water” and is often used to refer to skincare lotions. Here’s an example of how to use it:
Kono bijin-su wa totemo yasashii. (この美人水はとてもやさしい。) – This lotion is very gentle.
Another informal term that you may encounter is “nama-jiyun” (生ジュン). It is a combination of the Japanese word for “fresh” (nama) and “lotion” (rooshon). “Nama-jiyun” indicates a fresh or refreshing lotion. Here’s an example sentence:
Kono nama-jiyun wa nioi ga ii desu ne. (この生ジュンは匂いがいいですね。) – This fresh lotion has a nice scent.
Tips for Talking About Lotions
Avoiding Confusion
In Japanese, the term “lotion” is primarily associated with skincare products. If you want to refer to regular liquid lotions or other types, it’s helpful to provide additional context to avoid confusion. For example:
Agaru toki ni tsukau kami no rooshon (アガルときに使う髪のローション) – Hair lotion used for styling.
Exploring Different Brands
If you are interested in specific lotion brands or want to inquire about them, these vocabulary words may come in handy:
- Biore – ビオレ
- Kanebo – カネボウ
- Shiseido – 資生堂
- Kose – コーセー
- Hada Labo – 肌ラボ
Common Ingredients
When discussing lotions with others, it can be valuable to know some commonly used ingredients. Here are a few examples:
- Hyaluronic Acid – ヒアルロン酸 (hiaruron-san)
- Collagen – コラーゲン (kora-gen)
- Vitamin E – ビタミンE (bitamin E)
- Aloe Vera – アロエベラ (aroebera)
- Glycerin – グリセリン (gurisurin)
By familiarizing yourself with these ingredients, you’ll be better equipped to navigate conversations about lotions and their benefits.
Final Thoughts
After going through this guide, you should feel confident in referring to “lotion” in Japanese both formally and informally. Remember, “rooshon” (ローション) is the most commonly used term, while “bijin-su” (美人水) and “nama-jiyun” (生ジュン) are more informal but widely understood. Additionally, providing context, exploring different brands, and being aware of common ingredients will enhance your ability to discuss lotions in Japanese.
Enjoy searching for the perfect lotion or engaging in conversations about skincare with your newfound Japanese vocabulary! Ganbatte kudasai! (がんばってください！)
