Translation guide
Products taken to supplement the diet, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other substances. In Japanese, the most common term is サプリメント (supplement), often shortened to サプリ. Other terms exist for specific contexts like health foods or nutritional supplements.
The most common way to refer to dietary supplements in everyday conversation, covering pills, capsules, powders, etc.
The standard loanword for 'supplement'. Widely understood and used in both spoken and written Japanese.
毎日サプリメントを飲んでいます。
I take supplements every day.
このサプリメントはビタミンCが豊富です。
This supplement is rich in vitamin C.
Shortened, casual form of サプリメント. Very common in everyday speech and advertising.
最近、疲れやすいからサプリを始めた。
Lately I get tired easily, so I started taking supplements.
どのサプリがおすすめですか？
Which supplement do you recommend?
Literally 'health food'. A broader term that includes supplements but also functional foods and health-oriented products. Often used in formal or regulatory contexts.
この健康食品は特定保健用食品として認められています。
This health food is approved as a Food for Specified Health Uses.
Literally 'nutritional supplementary food'. A more technical term, sometimes used in legal or medical contexts. Less common in daily conversation.
栄養補助食品は医薬品ではありません。
Dietary supplements are not medicines.
When referring to a particular kind of supplement, you can use the specific name plus サプリ or サプリメント.
Attach のサプリ to the specific supplement type. This is the most natural way to specify.
プロテインのサプリを飲んでいます。
I take protein supplements.
鉄分のサプリを探しています。
I'm looking for iron supplements.
Same as above but using the full word. Slightly more formal.
カルシウムのサプリメントは骨にいいです。
Calcium supplements are good for your bones.
サプリ(メント) is the everyday term for supplements like vitamins and minerals. 健康食品 is a broader category that includes health foods and functional foods, not just pills. 栄養補助食品 is a technical term used in legal or medical contexts. For most situations, サプリ is sufficient.
サプリは手軽に栄養を補給できます。
Supplements are an easy way to get nutrients.
健康食品には様々な種類があります。
There are various types of health foods.
The direct transliteration ダイエタリーサプリメント is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Stick with サプリメント or サプリ.