Translation guide
The English word "cream" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. This guide breaks them down by meaning: dairy cream, cosmetic cream, the color cream, and the best part of something.
The fatty part of milk, used in cooking or as a topping.
The most common and versatile word for dairy cream. Used for fresh cream, whipped cream, and cream in recipes.
ケーキにクリームを塗る。
Spread cream on the cake.
生クリームを泡立てる。
Whip fresh cream.
Specifically fresh cream, not processed or long-life. Often used in baking and desserts.
生クリームたっぷりのショートケーキ。
A shortcake with lots of fresh cream.
Milk fat; a technical term used in food science or nutrition contexts.
この製品は乳脂肪分が高い。
This product has a high milk fat content.
A semi-solid substance applied to the skin for moisturizing, healing, or protection.
The standard word for skin creams, lotions, and ointments in everyday use.
ハンドクリームを塗る。
Apply hand cream.
日焼け止めクリームを忘れずに。
Don't forget the sunscreen cream.
Ointment or salve, often medicated. More formal or medical than クリーム.
A pale yellowish-white color.
The most direct way to say 'cream-colored'.
クリーム色の壁が部屋を明るく見せる。
Cream-colored walls make the room look brighter.
Used as a noun or adjective for the color, especially in fashion or design contexts.
The most excellent or select element of a group, often used figuratively.
Refers to the elite, the cream of the crop, especially for people or teams.
彼らは会社の精鋭だ。
They are the cream of the company.
Literally 'the best part', a straightforward translation for 'the cream of something'.
この小説は彼の作品の最良の部分だ。
This novel is the cream of his work.
Loanword for 'elite', often used for the cream of society or a profession.
In Japanese, アイスクリーム (ice cream) is a separate word. クリーム alone never means ice cream. If you want ice cream, say アイスクリーム or アイス.
アイスクリームを食べたい。
I want to eat ice cream.
医者に軟膏を処方してもらった。
The doctor prescribed an ointment for me.
このバッグはクリームもありますか？
Does this bag also come in cream?
彼は政界のエリートだ。
He is the cream of the political world.