サンスクリーン剤
sansukurīn-zai
The English phrase "sunscreen" is translated into Japanese as サンスクリーン剤 (sansukurīn-zai) or 日焼け止め剤.
Meaning: cream that protects the skin from the sun (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| サンスクリーン剤 | sansukurīn-zai |
| 日焼け止め剤 | hiyakedome-zai |
Both terms refer to a cream that protects the skin from the sun. In medical or technical contexts, you may also encounter the term 紫外線ブロック剤, which means "UV blocking agent".
Which one should you use?
The form 日焼け止め can be used as a noun on its own without the formal suffix 剤 (zai) found in 日焼け止め剤 or サンスクリーン剤.
How do you pronounce it?
sansukurīn-zai
Did you know?
- In Japan, sunscreen is often marketed as 美白 'bihaku', which means 'beautiful white'. This refers to a cultural beauty standard of porcelain skin rather than just sun protection.
- You will often see sunscreen labeled as UVカット 'UV cut'. This uses a 'loanword' style of English where 'cut' is used as a noun to mean 'blocking' or 'filtering'.
- Many Japanese people use 日焼け止め on their faces during winter and on cloudy days. This is due to a heightened cultural awareness of 'UV rays' as a year-round concern.
Examples in context
- 日焼け止めはどこにありますか?Where can I find sunscreen?
- この日焼け止めはすごくいいよThis sunscreen is really good!
- 日焼け止めを貸してもらえますか?Can I borrow your sunscreen?
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are preparing for a trip to the beach.
- 陽太 Yotaサンスクリーン剤は持った？sansukuriin-zai wa motta?Did you bring the sunscreen?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、バッグに入っているよ。un, baggu ni haitte iru yo.Yes, it's in the bag.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう。外で塗ろう。arigatou. soto de nurou.Thanks. Let's put it on outside.
- 美咲 Misakiいい考えだね。ii kangae da ne.That's a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sunscreen” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
