1.
lubricant; grease; lubricating agent
a substance applied to surfaces to reduce friction and wear
機械に潤滑剤を塗る。
To apply lubricant to machinery.
ドアがきしむので潤滑剤を差した。
The door was squeaking, so I applied lubricant.
定期的に潤滑剤を補充しないと、部品が摩耗してしまう。
If you don't replenish the lubricant regularly, the parts will wear out.
2.
lubricant (figurative); social lubricant
something that makes interactions, processes, or relationships run more smoothly
ユーモアは人間関係の潤滑剤だ。
Humor is a social lubricant.
お酒はコミュニケーションの潤滑剤になることがある。
Alcohol can serve as a social lubricant.
雑談は職場の人間関係において大切な潤滑剤の役割を果たしている。
Casual conversation plays an important role as a social lubricant in workplace relationships.
Composed of 潤滑 (lubrication; smoothness) + 剤 (agent; preparation). The literal meaning is straightforward — a substance that reduces friction. The figurative meaning, especially in the phrase 人間関係の潤滑剤, is commonly encountered in Japanese essays and conversation.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 潤滑剤を塗る: to apply lubricant
- 潤滑剤を差す: to apply lubricant (to hinges, etc.)
- 潤滑剤の役割を果たす: to serve as a lubricant
- 人間関係の潤滑剤: social lubricant
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 潤滑油: lubricating oil — specifically an oil-based lubricant
- グリス: grease — loanword for thick, paste-like lubricant
- 潤滑: lubrication — the base noun describing the process