How to say "cork" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounCovers cork as a material — the light, elastic substance used for stoppers — and the cork itself, as pulled from a wine bottle. Choose this when the material or the object is meant.
- 栓せんnounMeans the stopper, plug, or bung that seals a bottle or other opening; 'cork' is among its senses because corks serve as stoppers. It denotes the sealing function, not the material.
Use 「コルク」 for cork as a material or the cork object itself; use 栓 for the stopper, plug, or bung that seals an opening, whatever it is made of — a wine cork fits both roles.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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