Translation guide
The process of spreading through or penetrating something, often used in abstract or scientific contexts. Japanese expressions vary depending on whether the permeation is physical (liquid, gas, smell) or abstract (ideas, culture, influence).
Describing a substance spreading through a material or space.
The most common term for physical permeation, such as water soaking into soil or a smell spreading through a room.
水が土に浸透する。
Water permeates the soil.
コーヒーの香りが部屋に浸透した。
The aroma of coffee permeated the room.
Emphasizes soaking in deeply, often used for liquids or stains. More vivid than 浸透.
雨水が地面に染み込んだ。
Rainwater permeated the ground.
Used in scientific/technical contexts for permeation through a membrane or filter. Not for everyday use.
この膜は水だけを透過させる。
This membrane allows only water to permeate.
Describing how concepts, trends, or feelings spread through a group or society.
Also used for abstract permeation, such as ideas or policies becoming widespread.
新しい考え方が社会に浸透するには時間がかかる。
It takes time for new ideas to permeate society.
Focuses on the spread or diffusion of something, like technology or practices. Often used for widespread adoption.
Means to spread throughout every corner, often for things like information or supplies.
Describing a mood or emotion that fills a space or group.
Used for an atmosphere, scent, or feeling that hangs in the air. Not for physical soaking.
部屋に緊張感が漂っていた。
A feeling of tension permeated the room.
Means to be filled with something, often an emotion or light. Emphasizes completeness.
浸透 is neutral and can be used for both physical and abstract permeation. 染み込む is more vivid and implies deep absorption, often used for liquids or lessons learned.
教訓が心に染み込んだ。
The lesson permeated my heart.
English 'permeate' is often used figuratively. In Japanese, using 浸透 for emotions can sound unnatural; prefer 漂う or 満ちる for atmospheres.
Smartphones permeated rapidly.
注意事項が全員に行き渡った。
The precautions permeated to everyone.
The venue was permeated with joy.