Translation guide
A manufactured food designed for feeding babies under 12 months, used as a substitute for or supplement to breast milk. In Japanese, the most common term is 粉ミルク (powdered formula), but liquid and specialized types exist.
The standard powdered milk product mixed with water for bottle-feeding.
The most common, everyday term for powdered infant formula. Used in stores, homes, and hospitals.
粉ミルクをお湯で溶かしてください。
Please dissolve the powdered formula in hot water.
この粉ミルクは新生児から使えます。
This powdered formula can be used from newborns.
A more formal or technical term often seen on product labels and in medical contexts. Literally 'powdered milk for child-rearing'.
育児用粉ミルクの缶に調乳方法が書いてあります。
The formula preparation instructions are written on the can of infant formula.
Pre-mixed liquid formula that does not require adding water.
The standard term for ready-to-feed liquid infant formula. Gaining popularity in Japan since approval for domestic production in 2018.
災害時に液体ミルクが役立ちます。
Liquid formula is useful during disasters.
液体ミルクはそのまま飲ませられます。
Liquid formula can be fed as is.
Formal term used on packaging and in official contexts.
育児用液体ミルクは常温で保存できます。
Infant liquid formula can be stored at room temperature.
Formula for babies with specific dietary needs, such as milk protein allergy or low birth weight.
General term for hypoallergenic formula. Often specifically refers to formulas for cow's milk protein allergy.
赤ちゃんがミルクアレルギーなので、アレルギー用ミルクを使っています。
Since my baby has a milk allergy, we use hypoallergenic formula.
Formula specifically for low birth weight infants, often used in NICUs.
低出生体重児用ミルクはカロリーが高めです。
Formula for low birth weight infants is higher in calories.
Formula designed for babies over 6 months, often as part of weaning.
Standard term for follow-up formula, typically for babies 6–12 months or older. Not a complete substitute for breast milk or regular formula.
フォローアップミルクは離乳食と一緒に与えます。
Follow-up formula is given along with baby food.
A catch-all term that can refer to any type of infant formula.
In the context of babies, ミルク almost always means infant formula, not cow's milk. However, it can be ambiguous, so clarify if needed.
Without context, ミルク can mean cow's milk or even breast milk. When talking about bottle-feeding, it's understood as formula.
ミルクの時間ですよ。
It's time for formula.
ミルクをあげたらげっぷをさせてください。
After feeding formula, please burp the baby.
Literally 'artificial milk', a technical term used in medical or nutritional contexts. Not common in everyday speech.
When talking about babies, ミルク means formula. If you want to specify cow's milk, say 牛乳 (ぎゅうにゅう). Saying ミルク in a non-baby context usually means coffee creamer or just milk in general, so context is key.
If you need to buy formula, ask for 粉ミルク (こなミルク) or 液体ミルク (えきたいミルク). Just saying ミルク might get you cow's milk or coffee creamer.
母乳が出ない場合は人工乳を使用します。
If breast milk is not available, artificial milk (formula) is used.