Translation guide
Japanese words for ointment, cream, or salve, used for skin treatment or protection.
A semi-solid preparation applied to the skin for healing or treatment.
General term for medicated ointment. Used in medical and pharmacy contexts.
この軟膏を１日２回塗ってください。
Please apply this ointment twice a day.
Literally 'medicine to apply'. A common, slightly more casual term for topical medicine, including ointments.
虫刺されにはこの塗り薬がよく効きます。
This ointment works well for insect bites.
Loanword from English 'cream'. Often used for cosmetic or moisturizing creams, but can also refer to medicated creams.
このクリームは肌に優しいです。
This cream is gentle on the skin.
Technical term for 'external medicine', encompassing ointments, creams, and lotions. Used in medical instructions.
外用薬は目に入らないように注意してください。
Be careful not to get the external medicine in your eyes.
A greasy or thick preparation used to protect, moisturize, or soothe the skin, not necessarily medicated.
Also used for protective ointments like petroleum jelly, though often specified by brand or type.
乾燥肌には軟膏を塗ると良いです。
It's good to apply ointment for dry skin.
Specifically petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Very common for skin protection.
Loanword for 'balm', often used for lip balms or solid moisturizers.
軟膏 (なんこう) is typically oil-based and greasy, while クリーム is often water-based and less greasy. In medical contexts, 軟膏 is the standard term for ointments, but クリーム is used for cream formulations. For everyday conversation, 塗り薬 is a safe, general term.
The direct loanword オイントメント exists but is rarely used in natural Japanese. Stick to 軟膏, 塗り薬, or クリーム depending on the context.
患部に軟膏を塗ってください。
Apply the ointment to the affected area.
やけど用の塗り薬はありますか？
Do you have any ointment for burns?
唇が荒れたらワセリンを塗ります。
When my lips get chapped, I apply Vaseline.
This lip balm is very moisturizing.