軽石
karuishi[ka̠ɾɯ̟iɕi]
The English word for pumice is 軽石 (karuishi) in Japanese.
軽石 refers to a light, porous type of pyroclastic igneous rock. In a household context, the term is frequently used to refer to the pumice stone used for exfoliating skin or removing calluses.
Meaning: a light, porous type of pyroclastic igneous rock (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
karuishi
Did you know?
- In Japan, 軽石 is often used as a traditional abrasive for cleaning stubborn stains from ceramic surfaces or cast iron pots, not just for skincare.
- While 軽石 is the common term, scientists use the more technical term 浮石 'floating stone' when discussing pumice in a strictly geological context.
- Japanese gardeners sometimes use crushed 軽石 in soil mixes for bonsai and succulents because it improves drainage and aeration.
Examples in context
- 足の裏を滑らかにするために、軽石でこする。I rub the soles of my feet with pumice in order to smooth them.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 軽石 to describe smoothing the soles of one's feet.Tatoeba #1678934 by Christophe, translation #1678938 by Christophe
- この軽石はとても軽いですね。Kono karuishi wa totemo karui desu ne.This pumice is very light, isn't it?
- 火山から軽石が流れ出ました。Kazan kara karuishi ga nagaredeshita.Pumice flowed out from the volcano.
Example conversation
A science museum exhibit about volcanoes.
- 陽太 Yotaこの軽石は穴がたくさん空いていますね。Kono karuishi wa ana ga takusan aite imasu ne.This pumice has many holes in it, doesn't it?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、軽石はとても密度が低いんです。Hai, karuishi wa totemo mitsudo ga hikui ndesu.Yes, pumice has a very low density.
- 陽太 Yotaだから水に浮くこともあるんですね。Dakara mizu ni uku koto mo aru ndesu ne.That's why it can sometimes float in water.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太さん、その通りですよ。Yota-san, sono toori desu yo.That's right, Yota.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pumice” translations and entries 軽石, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
