Translation and Meaning of: 化学 - kagaku

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 化学[かがく]. It appears in books, news, and even in animes, but what exactly does it mean? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of this word in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will see how it is written in kanji and some tips for memorizing it effectively.

The meaning of 化学[かがく]

The word 化学[かがく] is translated into English as "chemistry." It refers both to the science that studies the composition and properties of substances and to the academic field related to it. In Japan, chemistry is a fundamental subject in high school and university, often associated with careers in research, industry, and technology.

It's worth noting that 化学[かがく] should not be confused with 科学[かがく], which means "science" in a broader sense. Although the pronunciation is identical, the kanji and contexts of use are different. While 化学 is specific to chemistry, 科学 encompasses all scientific fields, such as physics and biology.

The origin and the writing in kanji

The word 化学[かがく] is composed of two kanji: 化 (ka), which means "change" or "transformation," and 学 (gaku), which represents "study" or "learning." Together, they form the concept of "the study of transformations," a definition that is quite accurate for what chemistry represents. This combination reflects the Chinese influence on the Japanese scientific vocabulary, as many academic terms were incorporated during periods of cultural exchange.

It's interesting to note that the kanji 化 also appears in other words related to transformations, such as 文化[ぶんか] (culture) and 変化[へんか] (change). This connection can aid in memorization, especially if you've been studying Japanese for a while.

How is 化学[かがく] used in Japan?

In everyday Japanese life, 化学[かがく] appears in various contexts, from product labels to academic discussions. For example, on food packaging, you might find terms like 化学調味料[かがくちょうみりょう] (artificial seasonings) or 化学物質[かがくぶっしつ] (chemical substances). These expressions are common in supermarkets and pharmacies.

Additionally, the word is often used in news about technological advancements or scientific discoveries. If you follow Japanese newspapers, you have probably seen headlines like 化学療法[かがくりょうほう] (chemotherapy) or 化学反応[かがくはんのう] (chemical reaction). These terms show how chemistry is present in different aspects of modern life.

Tips for memorizing 化学[かがく]

An effective way to memorize this word is to associate it with your field of study. If you have ever had chemistry classes, remember that 化学[かがく] is precisely the term used in Japan for this subject. Another tip is to create flashcards with practical examples, such as 化学実験[かがくじっけん] (chemical experiment) or 化学工場[かがくこうじょう] (chemical factory).

For those who enjoy animes and mangas, series like "Dr. Stone" or "Fullmetal Alchemist" can be great references. They address themes related to chemistry and alchemy, helping to reinforce vocabulary in a contextualized way. If you use Suki Nihongo, our Japanese dictionary, you can also practice with real sentences extracted from authentic materials.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 化学 (Kagaku) - Chemistry
• 化学物質 (Kagaku busshitsu) - Substâncias químicas
• 化学反応 (Kagaku hannou) - Reações químicas
• 化学的 (Kagakuteki) - Chemical (related to chemistry)
• 化学者 (Kagakusha) - Chemist (professional)
• 化学工業 (Kagaku kougyou) - Chemical industry
• 化学療法 (Kagaku ryouhou) - Chemical therapy
• 化学肥料 (Kagaku hiryou) - Fertilizantes químicos
• 化学分析 (Kagaku bunseki) - Chemical analysis
• 化学結合 (Kagaku ketsugou) - Chemical bond

化学

Romaji: kagaku
Kana: かがく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: chemistry

Meaning in English: chemistry

Definition: Natural science that studies the properties and changes of matter.

Example Sentences - (化学) kagaku

See below some example sentences:

酸化は化学反応の一つです。

Sanka wa kagaku hannou no hitotsu desu

Oxidation is one of the types of chemical reactions.

Oxidation is one of the chemical reactions.

• 酸化 - means oxidation in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 化学反応 - means chemical reaction in Japanese
• の - Possession particle in Japanese
• 一つ - means one in Japanese
• です - verb to be in Japanese

化学は面白いです。

Kagaku wa omoshiroi desu

Chemistry is interesting.

Chemistry is interesting.

• 化学 - chemistry
• は - Topic particle
• 面白い - interesting
• です - the verb "to be" in polite form

分子は化学的な構成要素です。

Bunshi wa kagakuteki na kōseiyōso desu

Molecule is a fundamental chemical component.

Molecules are chemical components.

• 分子 - "molecule" in Japanese.
• は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 化学的な - It means "químico" in Japanese.
• 構成要素 - "componente" means "コンポーネント" in Japanese.
• です - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the end of the sentence and formality.

合成は化学反応の一つです。

Gōsei wa kagaku hannō no hitotsu desu

Synthesis is one of the chemical reactions.

• 合成 - means "synthesis" in Japanese.
• は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 化学反応 - means "chemical reaction" in Japanese.
• の - is a grammatical particle that indicates the relationship of possession or belonging.
• 一つ - means "one" in Japanese.
• です - It is a polite way to say "is" in Japanese.

物質は化学的な性質を持っています。

Bussitsu wa kagakuteki na seishitsu o motte imasu

Materials have chemical properties.

The materials have a chemical nature.

• 物質 - means "matter" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence.
• 化学的な - compound adjective formed by the words "化学" (chemistry) and "的" (suffix indicating that something is related to something). It means "chemical".
• 性質 - means "property" in Japanese.
• を - object particle in Japanese, used to indicate the direct object of the sentence.
• 持っています - verb "持つ" (to have) conjugated in the polite and present form. It means "have".