Translation guide
In Japanese, 'gold dust' is most commonly expressed as 金粉 (きんぷん), referring to fine gold powder used in crafts, decoration, or food. The term can also appear in idiomatic or poetic contexts.
Referring to actual gold in powder or dust form, used in art, crafts, or cuisine.
The standard term for gold dust or gold powder. Used in contexts like traditional crafts (e.g., lacquerware), painting, and edible gold decorations.
Expressions where 'gold dust' is used metaphorically to mean something precious, rare, or valuable.
A simile meaning 'as precious as gold dust'. Used to emphasize rarity or value.
彼の助言は金の粉のように貴重だ。
His advice is as precious as gold dust.
The English idiom 'like gold dust' (meaning extremely rare) does not have a direct one-word equivalent in Japanese. Use similes like 金の粉のように貴重だ or rephrase to convey rarity.
この地域では仕事がなかなか見つからない。
Jobs are like gold dust around here.
この漆器には金粉が使われています。
Gold dust is used on this lacquerware.
ケーキに金粉を振りかけた。
I sprinkled gold dust on the cake.
Literally 'gold sand', referring to gold dust or small grains found in placer mining or rivers. More natural than 金粉 for naturally occurring gold particles.
川で砂金を探すのが趣味です。
My hobby is panning for gold dust in rivers.
Specifically gold leaf ground into powder. Used in traditional Japanese painting (日本画) or crafts.
日本画では金箔粉を使うことがあります。
In Japanese painting, gold leaf powder is sometimes used.
Literally 'an existence like gold dust', meaning someone or something rare and valuable.
彼女はチームにとって砂金のような存在だ。
She is like gold dust to the team.