Translation guide
A substance used to add or change color in food, cosmetics, or industrial products. Japanese distinguishes between natural and synthetic colorants, and the term varies by context.
A substance added to food or drink to give it color.
A substance used to add color to makeup, hair dye, or skincare products.
A substance used to impart color to materials like paint, ink, plastic, or textiles.
着色料 (chakushokuryō) is almost exclusively used for food, while 着色剤 (chakushokuzai) is used for non-food items like cosmetics and industrial products. Using 着色料 for non-food contexts can sound odd.
If you want to emphasize that a coloring agent is natural, you can add 天然 (てんねん, natural) before the term, e.g., 天然着色料 (natural food coloring). For synthetic, use 合成 (ごうせい).
General term for food coloring, both natural and artificial. Commonly seen on ingredient labels.
このお菓子には着色料が使われています。
This candy contains coloring agents.
Specifically 'food dye' or 'edible pigment'. Often used in technical or regulatory contexts.
食用色素は安全性が確認されています。
The safety of food dyes has been confirmed.
Synthetic food coloring. Often contrasted with natural colorants.
合成着色料不使用の商品が増えています。
Products without synthetic coloring agents are increasing.
Broad term for any coloring agent in non-food products like cosmetics, paints, or plastics.
この口紅には天然の着色剤が使われています。
This lipstick uses natural coloring agents.
Pigment or dye; used in both cosmetic and industrial contexts. Often appears in ingredient lists.
ヘアカラーに含まれる色素が髪に定着します。
The pigments contained in hair color adhere to the hair.
Same term as for cosmetics; widely used in manufacturing.
プラスチックの着色剤には様々な種類があります。
There are various types of coloring agents for plastics.
Pigment (insoluble particles) used in paints, inks, and coatings. Distinct from dyes.
この絵の具は高品質の顔料を使用しています。
This paint uses high-quality pigments.
Dye (soluble colorant) for textiles, leather, or paper. Not typically used for food or cosmetics.
この布は天然染料で染められています。
This cloth is dyed with natural dyes.