Translation guide
The English word 'liquid' can refer to a state of matter, a fluid substance, or something that flows. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 液体 (えきたい), but other words are used depending on context, such as 液 (えき) in compounds, 水分 (すいぶん) for bodily fluids or moisture, and 汁 (しる) for juices or broths.
Referring to a substance that is not solid or gas, often in scientific or everyday contexts.
The standard word for 'liquid' as a state of matter. Used in science, cooking, and daily life.
水は液体です。
Water is a liquid.
液体をこぼさないでください。
Please don't spill the liquid.
Often used in compounds or technical terms, such as 液体 itself, 溶液 (solution), or 血液 (blood). Can be used alone in some contexts.
この液は何ですか？
What is this liquid?
Referring to liquids in the body, such as sweat, tears, or other secretions.
Means 'moisture' or 'fluid', often used for bodily fluids or water content.
病気のときは水分をたくさん取ってください。
When you're sick, drink plenty of fluids.
Specifically means 'bodily fluid', used in medical contexts.
Referring to the liquid that comes from fruits, vegetables, or cooked dishes.
Common word for juice, broth, or sap. Used in words like 味噌汁 (miso soup) or 果汁 (fruit juice).
このスープの汁がおいしい。
The broth of this soup is delicious.
レモンの汁をかける。
Squeeze lemon juice over it.
Loanword for 'juice', typically fruit or vegetable juice.
オレンジジュースをください。
Orange juice, please.
In physics or chemistry, describing the state of matter.
The scientific term for liquid state.
液体は固体と気体の間の状態です。
Liquid is the state between solid and gas.
Means 'liquid form' or 'liquid state', often used in technical descriptions.
In finance, referring to cash or easily convertible assets.
Accounting term for 'current assets' or 'liquid assets'.
流動資産には現金や預金が含まれます。
Liquid assets include cash and deposits.
Describes something as 'highly liquid', meaning easily convertible to cash.
この投資は流動性が高い。
This investment is highly liquid.
Describing something that flows smoothly, like liquid grace or liquid sound.
Means 'flowing' or 'liquid-like', used for smooth movements or sounds.
彼女のダンスは流れるような動きだ。
Her dance has liquid movements.
Loanword used in product names or stylistic contexts, like 'liquid crystal' or 'liquid sound'.
リキッドディスプレイ
liquid crystal display
While 液体 is the direct translation, it can sound overly technical in everyday situations. For drinks, use 飲み物 (のみもの) or specific names like 水 (みず) or ジュース. For soups, use 汁 (しる) or スープ.
何か飲み物をください。
Can I have something to drink? (Not 液体)
液体 is the general term for liquid state. 液 is often used in compounds or technical contexts. 汁 is for juices, broths, or sap from food. Using the wrong one can sound odd.
この液体は何ですか？ (scientific/neutral)
What is this liquid?
この汁は何ですか？ (food context)
What is this juice/broth?
瓶には透明な液体が入っている。
The bottle contains a clear liquid.
熱があるときは水分をたくさん取ってください。
Drink plenty of liquids when you have a fever.
そのスープは汁がおいしい。
The soup has a delicious liquid.
体液のバランスが大切です。
The balance of bodily fluids is important.
この物質は常温で液状です。
This substance is liquid at room temperature.