Translation guide
The English word "foil" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: thin metal sheeting, a contrasting character in stories, and the fencing sword. It also touches on less common uses like preventing something from succeeding and a type of pastry.
Referring to a very thin, flexible sheet of metal, especially aluminum foil used for wrapping food.
The most common word for aluminum foil or similar thin metal sheets, often used in cooking. It's a loanword from English.
アルミホイルで包んでください。
Please wrap it in aluminum foil.
A more general term for metal leaf or foil, including gold leaf, silver leaf, etc. Used in arts, crafts, and decoration.
金箔を使った工芸品です。
It's a craftwork using gold leaf.
In literature, film, etc., a character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities.
Literally 'role to make something stand out'. Commonly used for a character who serves as a foil.
彼は主人公の引き立て役に過ぎない。
He is nothing more than a foil for the protagonist.
A more literal translation meaning 'contrasting character'. It's clear but less idiomatic than 引き立て役.
この物語では、親友が主人公の対照的な人物として描かれている。
In this story, the best friend is portrayed as a foil to the protagonist.
A light, flexible sword used in the sport of fencing.
The standard term for a foil in fencing. It's a loanword from French.
彼はフルーレの試合で優勝した。
He won the foil match.
To prevent something from being successful; to thwart a plan or attempt.
Means 'to prevent' or 'to thwart'. Used for plans, attempts, crimes, etc.
警察はテロ計画を阻止した。
The police foiled the terrorist plot.
Literally 'to stop something in its tracks'. Often used for stopping the spread of something bad, like a rumor or disease, but can also be used for foiling plans.
彼らは敵の攻撃を食い止めた。
They foiled the enemy's attack.
A very thin, light pastry, often used in desserts.
Sometimes used as a loanword for a thin pastry, but it's not common. Often described by the specific type of pastry.
このデザートは薄いフォイル状の生地で作られています。
This dessert is made with a thin foil-like pastry.
ホイル (foil) sounds similar to ホイール (wheel). Be careful with pronunciation and context.
In everyday conversation, アルミホイル is the most common term. ホイル alone is often understood as aluminum foil in cooking contexts.