Translation guide
The process of turning into a liquid, often used in technical, scientific, or disaster-related contexts.
Describing the physical or chemical change from solid/gas to liquid state.
Referring to the phenomenon where saturated soil loses strength and behaves like a liquid due to shaking.
Describing the process of turning solid food into liquid, e.g., melting or blending.
Natural way to describe melting into liquid, often used for butter, chocolate, etc.
チョコレートが溶けて液体になった。
The chocolate melted and became liquid.
液化 (ekika) is the general scientific term for any substance turning into liquid. 液状化 (ekijōka) specifically refers to soil liquefaction during earthquakes. Using 液化 for soil liquefaction is not wrong but less precise in disaster contexts.
In everyday conversation, saying 液化する (ekika suru) for melting butter or ice sounds overly technical. Use natural phrases like 溶ける (to melt) or 液体になる (to become liquid) instead.
天然ガスの液化は重要な工業プロセスです。
Liquefaction of natural gas is an important industrial process.
その都市は液状化による大きな被害を受けた。
The city suffered extensive damage from liquefaction.
Cooling is necessary for the liquefaction of gases.
A more everyday way to say 'to become liquid', suitable for general descriptions.
バターは加熱すると液体になります。
Butter becomes liquid when heated.
The specific term for soil liquefaction in geotechnical and disaster contexts.
地震による液状化で建物が傾いた。
Buildings tilted due to liquefaction caused by the earthquake.
Explicitly mentions 'ground' liquefaction, common in news reports.
この地域では地盤の液状化のリスクが高い。
The risk of ground liquefaction is high in this area.
Used when blending solids into a smooth liquid, like making a purée.
果物をピューレ状にする。
Liquefy the fruit into a purée.