ローション
rōshon[ɾo̞ːɕõ̞ɴ]
The English phrase 'lotion' can be translated into Japanese as ローション (rōshon) or 化粧水.
Meaning: ointment that one rubs on the skin (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ローション | rōshon | [ɾo̞ːɕõ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 化粧水 | keshōsui | [ke̞ɕo̞ːsɨi] (narrow) |
In Japanese, the term you choose depends on the specific type of product you are describing. ローション is a loanword often used to refer to body lotions, massage oils, or, in the context of massage parlors, a liquid lubricant. 化粧水 is specifically used for the watery toner applied to the face as part of a skincare routine.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 化粧水 is composed of 化粧 (makeup) and 水 (water), which literally means 'makeup water'.
Which one should you use?
The distinction between the two terms is based on the product's use: while ローション is a loanword often used for body lotions or massage oils, 化粧水 is the specific term used for the watery toner used in skincare.
How do you pronounce it?
rōshon
Did you know?
- Using the loanword ローション in certain contexts can imply a sexual lubricant, making 化粧水 the safer and more precise choice for facial skincare.
- If you are looking for a thick, creamy body moisturizer, you would likely use the word 乳液 (nyūeki), which literally means 'milk emulsion', rather than ローション.
- In a Japanese skincare routine, 化粧水 is not the final step but is followed by 乳液 (nyūeki), a milky emulsion that locks in moisture.
Examples in context
- ハンドローションが欲しいのよ。I need hand lotion.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for hand ローション.Tatoeba #10102655 by bunbuku, translation #436853 by lukaszpp
- このローションは肌に優しいです。Kono rōshon wa hada ni yasashii desu.This lotion is gentle on the skin.
- 乾燥しているのでローションを塗ります。Kansō shite iru node rōshon o nurimasu.My skin is dry, so I will apply lotion.
Example conversation
At a drugstore, Kenta and Yui are looking for skincare products.
- 健太 Kenta結衣、このローションはどうかな？Yui, kono rōshon wa dō kana?Yui, how about this lotion?
- 結衣 Yuiいいと思うよ。香りがとても良いわ。Ii to omou yo. Kaori ga totemo ii wa.I think it's good. The scent is very nice.
- 健太 Kentaじゃあ、これを買おう。Jaa, kore o kaō.Then, let's buy this.
- 結衣 Yui健太、ありがとう！Kenta, arigatō!Kenta, thank you!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lotion” translations and entries ローション, 化粧水, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
