Japanese word

塗料

Pronunciation

Romajitoryō

Meaning

  • nounpaint

Example

壁に塗料を塗ります。kabe ni to ryō o nu ri ma su

I apply paint to the wall.

Illustration for 塗料 (paint)

More examples

余った塗料は、ふたを閉めて保管します。ama tta to ryō wa fu ta o shi me te ho kan shi ma su

We store leftover paint with the lid closed.

Core concept

Centers on covering a surface with a layer that changes its color, finish, or resistance to damage.

Common phrases

  • 塗料を塗るto ryō o nu ru

    apply paint

  • 塗料を薄めるto ryō o usu me ru

    thin paint

  • 塗料を乾かすto ryō o kawa ka su

    dry paint

  • 塗料を保管するto ryō o ho kan su ru

    store paint

Similar words

ペンキpenki: A coating material used mainly to protect or color buildings, furniture, and other objects.
絵の具enogu: A colored material used to make pictures on paper, canvas, or other surfaces.

Definition in Japanese

壁や木材などの表面に塗り、保護や装飾を施す材料。kabe ya moku zai na do no hyō men ni nu ri ho go ya sō shoku o hodoko su zai ryō

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 塗料 (toryō) is formed from 塗 (to, "apply") and 料 (ryō, "material"), linking the material with the act of coating a surface.

Usage tips

  • English uses paint as both a noun and a verb, but Japanese separates the material 塗料 (toryō) from the action 塗る (nuru).

Other meanings

  • coatingnoun
  • varnishnoun

Word lists with this word