プラスチック

• Reading: プラスチック
• Romaji: purasuchikku
• Pronunciation: /pɯ.ɾa.sɯ.tɕik.kɯ/

Meaning

Plastic; synthetic resin material.

A katakana loanword from English 'plastic.' Used for the material itself and as a modifier: プラスチック製品 (purasuchikku seihin, plastic products), プラスチックごみ (purasuchikku gomi, plastic waste). Environmental discussions about reducing plastic use have made this word increasingly common. Often shortened to プラ in compound words like プラごみ.

Examples

1. プラスチックのストローを使わないようにしている。 I try not to use plastic straws.
2. このおもちゃはプラスチックでできている。 This toy is made of plastic.
3. プラスチックごみを減らすことが環境問題で大切だ。 Reducing plastic waste is important for environmental issues.

Usage Guide

Context: environment, materials, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'plastic,' which derives from Greek plastikos (fit for moulding). Entered Japanese during the post-war period as synthetic materials became widespread.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal