雲母
unmo[ɯ̟̃mːo̞]
The English word 'mica' is translated into Japanese as 雲母 (unmo) or マイカ.
Meaning: hydrous aluminosilicate minerals (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 雲母 | unmo | [ɯ̟̃mːo̞] (narrow) [ɯ̟̃mbo̞] (narrow) |
| マイカ | maika |
The word refers to hydrous aluminosilicate minerals.
What does it mean word for word?
The kanji components of 雲母 (unmo) literally mean 'cloud' (雲) and 'mother' (母).
Which one should you use?
The kanji form 雲母 is the standard technical term used in geology and mineralogy. In contrast, the katakana form マイカ is a phonetic transliteration of the English word 'mica' and is used more frequently in industrial or commercial contexts, such as in cosmetics or construction materials.
How do you pronounce it?
unmo
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese art, 雲母 powder was used in 'u-ki-yo-e' prints to create a shimmering effect on the skin of beautiful women or the background of luxurious scenes.
- The kanji for mica, 雲母, uses the character for 'mother' (母), which is an unusual component for a mineralogical term in most other Japanese technical vocabulary.
- In the world of Japanese high-end cosmetics, the katakana マイカ is often used to signal a modern, international flair, even when the actual mineral content is the same as the traditional 雲母.
Examples in context
- ご挨拶をさせていただきます、マイカと申します。Allow me to introduce myself, I am Maika.
- この岩には雲母が含まれている。Kono iwa ni wa unmo ga fukumarete iru.This rock contains mica.
- 雲母は薄い層状の構造をしている。Unmo wa usui sōjō no kōzō o shite iru.Mica has a thin, layered structure.
- 標本の雲母がキラキラと光っている。Hyōhon no unmo ga kirakira to hikatte iru.The mica in the specimen is sparkling.
Example conversation
Two students are looking at a rock sample in a science lab.
- 結衣 Yuiこの石の中にあるのは雲母かな？Kono ishi no naka ni aru no wa unmo kana?I wonder if that in this stone is mica?
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね、雲母の輝きに見えるよ。Sō da ne, unmo no kagayaki ni mieru yo.You're right, it looks like the shine of mica.
- 結衣 Yui陽太君、もっと近くで見てみて。Yōta-kun, motto chikaku de mite mite.Yota, take a closer look.
- 陽太 Yota本当だ、すごく綺麗だね。Hontō da, sugoku kirei da ne.You're right, it's really beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mica” translations and entries 雲母, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
