シリコン
shirikon
The English word "silicone" is translated into Japanese as シリコン (shirikon).
The term refers to the class of inert compounds of silicon.
Meaning: any of a class of inert compounds of silicon (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term シリコーン is a common way to say silicone in Japanese. For professional or technical settings, the term ケイ素樹脂 is used.
How do you pronounce it?
shirikon
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the word 'silicon' (the element) and 'silicone' (the polymer) interchangeably, but in Japanese, both are typically referred to by the single loanword シリコン.
Did you know?
- To avoid any scientific ambiguity, the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) specifically mandate the use of the long vowel version, シリコーン, to denote the polymer.
- The technical term ケイ素樹脂 literally translates to 'silicon resin', combining the word for the element ケイ素 with 樹脂 meaning 'resin'.
- In Japan, the term シリコン is frequently used to refer to 'Silicon Valley' as シリコンバレー, even though the region is named after the element 'silicon' and not the polymer 'silicone'.
Examples in context
- 私は携帯ケースを修理するためにシリコーンが必要です。I need silicone to repair my phone case.
- 私はカップケーキを作るためにシリコーン製の焼き型を買いました。I bought silicone baking molds for making cupcakes.
- シリコン製のキッチン用品を使っています。shirikon sei no kicchin yōhin o tsukatte imasu.I am using silicone kitchenware.
- このケースはシリコンでできています。kono kēsu wa shirikon de dekite imasu.This case is made of silicone.
- シリコンの質感を確かめてください。shirikon no shitsukan o tashikamete kudasai.Please check the texture of the silicone.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are shopping for kitchen supplies.
- 結衣 Yuiこのヘラはシリコン製ですか？kono hera wa shirikon sei desu ka?Is this spatula made of silicone?
- 蓮 Renはい、シリコンなので熱に強いですよ。hai, shirikon nano de netsu ni tsuyoi desu yo.Yes, it is silicone, so it is heat resistant.
- 結衣 Yuiそれはとても便利そうですね。sore wa totemo benri sō desu ne.That looks very convenient.
- 蓮 Ren結衣さん、これを買っていきましょう。Yui-san, kore o katte ikimashō.Yui, let's buy this.
