Translation guide
In Japanese, 'paraffin' can refer to several distinct substances: paraffin wax (for candles, crafts, sealing), liquid paraffin (a mineral oil used as a laxative or cosmetic ingredient), and kerosene (the fuel). The correct term depends entirely on what you mean.
The white, waxy solid used in candle-making, crafts, food coating, or sealing jars.
The most common and direct loanword for paraffin wax. Widely understood in everyday contexts like crafts and candles.
キャンドル作りにはパラフィンを使います。
We use paraffin for candle making.
Explicitly 'paraffin wax'. Used when you need to distinguish it from liquid paraffin or other waxes.
このパラフィンワックスは融点が低い。
This paraffin wax has a low melting point.
The kanji term for paraffin wax, literally 'stone wax'. Mainly seen in technical or chemical contexts.
石蝋は石油から得られる。
Paraffin wax is obtained from petroleum.
A clear, odorless oil used as a laxative or in skincare products.
The standard term for liquid paraffin in pharmaceutical and cosmetic contexts. Often found in ingredient lists.
この化粧水には流動パラフィンが含まれています。
This lotion contains liquid paraffin.
Often used interchangeably with liquid paraffin in cosmetics, though technically a broader category.
ベビーオイルの主成分はミネラルオイルです。
The main ingredient of baby oil is mineral oil.
The liquid fuel used in heaters, lamps, and jet engines. Called 'paraffin' in British English.
The everyday word for kerosene used in home heaters and lamps. This is what British English speakers mean by 'paraffin'.
寒いので灯油を買いに行きます。
It's cold, so I'm going to buy some paraffin.
The loanword 'kerosene', used in technical or industrial contexts, or when referring to jet fuel.
In Japanese, パラフィン (paraffin) almost always means the solid wax. If you ask for パラフィン at a hardware store expecting kerosene, you'll get a blank stare. Use 灯油 (とうゆ) for the fuel.
すみません、灯油はどこですか？
Excuse me, where is the paraffin? (UK: kerosene)
パラフィン = solid wax. 流動パラフィン = liquid paraffin/mineral oil. 灯油 = kerosene (heating fuel). These are completely different products in Japanese, so context is crucial.
ジェットエンジンの燃料はケロシンです。
Jet engine fuel is kerosene.