Translation guide
The English word "chemicals" can refer to substances used in chemistry, industrial products, or harmful synthetic additives. In Japanese, the translation depends on context: general chemical substances, industrial chemicals, or everyday products with chemical ingredients.
Referring to chemical substances in a scientific or general sense, including elements, compounds, and laboratory materials.
The standard term for chemical substances in scientific, technical, and formal contexts. Covers any substance with a defined chemical composition.
この工場では有害な化学物質を扱っています。
This factory handles hazardous chemicals.
化学物質の安全性を評価する必要があります。
We need to assess the safety of the chemicals.
Often used for chemicals in a laboratory, industrial, or pharmaceutical context. Emphasizes the reagent or prepared chemical aspect.
化学薬品は子供の手の届かない場所に保管してください。
Please store chemicals out of reach of children.
A broader term that can mean chemicals, drugs, or medicines. In context, it may refer to chemical agents, but it's ambiguous without modifiers.
この薬品は取り扱いに注意が必要です。
This chemical requires careful handling.
Referring to chemicals produced or used in industry, such as solvents, acids, or raw materials.
Explicitly means industrial chemicals. Used in business, manufacturing, and regulatory contexts.
この会社は工業用化学薬品を製造しています。
This company manufactures industrial chemicals.
A common term in trade and industry for chemical products. Often seen in company names and product categories.
化学品の取引が増えています。
Trade in chemicals is increasing.
Expressing concern about synthetic chemicals in food, environment, or consumer products, often with a negative nuance.
Also used in negative contexts, especially with adjectives like 有害な (harmful) or 危険な (dangerous).
この食品には化学物質が含まれています。
This food contains chemicals.
Specifically refers to chemical additives, often in food or cosmetics. Conveys artificiality.
化学的な添加物を使わない化粧品を探しています。
I'm looking for cosmetics that don't use chemicals (additives).
Loanword from English, often used in product marketing to imply synthetic or harsh chemicals. Can sound trendy or negative depending on context.
Referring to chemicals used in farming, such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
The standard term for agricultural chemicals, primarily pesticides. Often used when discussing organic vs. conventional farming.
農薬を使わずに野菜を育てています。
I grow vegetables without using chemicals.
Specifically chemical fertilizers, as opposed to organic ones.
When talking about household cleaners, cosmetics, or food, English speakers often say 'chemicals' to mean harsh or synthetic ingredients. In Japanese, simply saying 化学物質 may sound overly technical. Instead, use specific terms like 化学成分 (chemical ingredients), 添加物 (additives), or 合成成分 (synthetic ingredients) depending on the nuance.
この洗剤は化学成分が少ないです。
This detergent has fewer chemicals.
化学物質 is the broadest term for any chemical substance. 化学薬品 implies prepared or reagent chemicals, often in lab or industrial settings. 化学品 is a commercial term for chemical products. Choose based on context: scientific (化学物質), laboratory/industrial handling (化学薬品), or trade (化学品).
この製品には有害な化学物質は含まれていません。
This product contains no harmful chemicals.
その川は工場からの化学物質で汚染されていた。
The river was polluted with chemicals from the factory.
ケミカルな成分が肌に合わない。
Chemical ingredients don't agree with my skin.
化学肥料の使用を減らす取り組みが進んでいます。
Efforts to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers are progressing.