Translation guide
The English word "mallow" refers to plants in the Malvaceae family. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 葵 (あおい), but this can also refer to hollyhocks or the family in general. For culinary uses like marshmallow, specific loanwords are used.
Referring to the mallow plant or family in a botanical or general context.
General term for plants in the Malvaceae family, including mallow and hollyhock. Often used in names and traditional contexts.
Referring to the confection marshmallow, originally made from the marsh mallow plant.
Referring to a particular mallow species, such as common mallow or marsh mallow.
Do not translate "marshmallow" as マシュマロウ (marsh mallow plant). The confection is always マシュマロ.
葵の花が咲いている。
The mallow flowers are blooming.
Loanword from English, used in gardening or herbal contexts to specify mallow as distinct from hollyhock.
マロウはハーブティーに使われる。
Mallow is used for herbal tea.
Standard term for the sweet confection marshmallow.
マシュマロを焼いて食べた。
I roasted marshmallows and ate them.
Common mallow (Malva sylvestris). Used in botanical or herbal contexts.
ゼニアオイの葉は食用になる。
Common mallow leaves are edible.
Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis). Rarely used outside specialized contexts.
ウスベニタチアオイの根は薬用になる。
Marsh mallow root is used medicinally.