1.
compress; poultice; medicated patch
A medicated adhesive patch applied to the skin to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, or treat injuries. In modern Japanese, this most commonly refers to pain-relief patches available at pharmacies. Composed of 湿 (moist) + 布 (cloth).
腰に湿布を貼った。
I put a medicated patch on my lower back.
捻挫したので、病院で湿布をもらった。
I sprained my ankle, so I got medicated patches from the hospital.
冷やす湿布と温める湿布があるので、症状に合わせて選んでください。
There are cooling patches and warming patches, so please choose according to your symptoms.
USAGE:
湿布 in modern usage almost always refers to adhesive medicated patches (like Salonpas). The original meaning was a moist compress or poultice applied to the body.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 湿布を貼る (apply a medicated patch)
- 湿布を剥がす (peel off a patch)
- 冷湿布 (cold/cooling patch)
- 温湿布 (warm/heating patch)
- 湿布薬 (medicated compress/patch)
CULTURAL NOTE:
Medicated patches are extremely popular in Japan and are available over the counter at pharmacies and convenience stores. They are a common first response for muscle pain, stiffness, and minor injuries.