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For Life
2006.11.29

Greetings!

We've always had a special fondness for topics that try to clear up confusion caused by Japanese-English. It's the WordMaster's way of setting the record straight, as it were. Enjoy this one!

Today's LessonCATEGORY: 混同しやすい言葉CATEGORY: ジャパニーズイングリッシュ
NAIL POLISH vs. MANICURE
マニキュア液 vs. 美爪術(手・爪)

Explanation

  • Nail polish is a colored or clear liquid that you brush on your fingernails or toenails to make them look attractive.

    A manicure is a service to care for your fingernails and hands and make them look attractive. It usually includes shaping your fingernails and putting nail polish on them.

    Be Careful[1]! We do NOT use the expression manicure like the Japanese マニキュア to mean nail polish.

    Be Careful[2]! A similar service for your toenails and feet is called a “pedicure”, NOT a manicure.
  • nail polish とは、手や足の爪を魅力的に見せるために塗る色付き、または透明の液体のことです。

    manicure とは、手の爪や手全体の手入れをして、魅力的にする美爪(びそう)術のことです。通常、爪の形を整えて、マニキュアを塗ることが含まれます。

    注意[1]:日本語でマニキュアと呼ぶもののことを、英語では manicure とは言いません。nail polish と言います。

    注意[2]:足の爪や足のためにする同様の美爪術は、“pedicure” と言い、manicure とは言いません。

examples

  1. That pink nail polish goes well with the color of your skin.
  2. a: What's that smell?
    b: I was just putting on some nail polish.
  3. This nail polish remover works great. The nail polish comes right off!
  4. For Kathy's birthday, I'm giving her a gift certificate for a free manicure.
  5. Have you ever had a professional manicure before?

英会話レッスンAll the best to you today!