Meaning and Usage
"粉末" (ふんまつ) refers to a fine powder or powdered form of a substance. It is commonly used in contexts involving medicine, chemicals, food ingredients, and cleaning products.
Common Collocations
- 粉末状 (ふんまつじょう): powder form; used to describe the physical state of a substance.
- 粉末洗剤 (ふんまつせんざい): powder detergent; a common household product.
- 粉末を吸い込む: to inhale powder; often a warning in safety instructions.
Register and Nuance
"粉末" is a neutral, formal noun often found in written language, technical contexts, and instructions. It is less common in casual conversation unless discussing specific products or substances.
Usage Tips
When using "粉末," it often appears with verbs like 溶かす (to dissolve), 吸い込む (to inhale), or 使う (to use). Be careful not to confuse it with 粉 (こな), which is a more general term for powder or flour and can be used more casually.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "粉末" with "粉". "粉末" emphasizes the fine, powdered state and is more technical, while "粉" can refer to flour or any powder more generally. Use "粉末" when referring to substances in a scientific or product context.