Translation guide
The English word "mold" has several distinct meanings: a fungus, a shaping container, and the act of shaping. This guide covers natural Japanese for each.
The furry or slimy growth that appears on old food or damp surfaces.
The most common and general word for mold or mildew. Used for food, walls, bathrooms, etc.
パンにカビが生えた。
The bread got moldy.
A hollow form used to give shape to a liquid or soft substance as it hardens.
General word for a mold, cast, or form used in manufacturing, cooking, or crafts.
To form or influence something into a particular shape or character.
カビ (mold fungus) and 型 (mold container) are completely different words. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
カビが生えた型は使えない。
You can't use a mold that has mold on it.
風呂場のカビを掃除した。
I cleaned the mold in the bathroom.
The kanji for カビ, but rarely used in everyday writing. Mostly seen in formal or scientific contexts.
黴が生える。
Mold grows.
ケーキの型にバターを塗る。
Grease the cake mold with butter.
プラスチックの型を使って部品を作る。
We make parts using a plastic mold.
Specifically a mold for casting metal or other materials. Used in industrial contexts.
鋳型に溶けた鉄を流し込む。
Pour molten iron into the casting mold.
A metal mold used in mass production, such as injection molding. Common in engineering.
金型の設計を変更した。
We changed the design of the metal mold.
To shape, form, or mold something, often used for physical objects or abstract things like character.
粘土を形作って花瓶を作った。
I molded the clay into a vase.
経験が人格を形作る。
Experience molds one's character.
To mold or shape using a form or press, often in manufacturing. More technical than 形作る.
プラスチックを成型して容器を作る。
We mold plastic into containers.