Translation and Meaning of: 核 - kaku

The Japanese word 核[かく] is a term that carries deep meanings and various applications in the language. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about this expression, understanding its use and context can be very helpful. In this article, we will explore the meaning of 核, its origin, how it is used in everyday life, and some curiosities that go beyond the dictionary.

In addition to being a word present in scientific and political discussions, 核 also appears in simpler contexts, such as everyday expressions. Whether to expand your vocabulary or to satisfy a linguistic curiosity, this guide will help you better understand this fascinating part of the Japanese language.

Meaning and translation of 核[かく]

核[かく] can be translated as "core" or "essence," depending on the context. It is used to refer to physical concepts, such as the nucleus of an atom (原子核), as well as abstract ideas, like the essence of a problem (問題の核). This duality makes the word versatile and important in different fields.

In some cases, 核 can also appear in specific terms, such as 核家族 (nuclear family) or 核兵器 (nuclear weapon). Although it has a central meaning in many contexts, it is essential to pay attention to the kanji and pronunciation to avoid confusing it with other similar words, such as 角 (corner/horn) or 各 (each).

Origin and use of the kanji 核

The kanji 核 is composed of the radical 木 (tree) and the phonetic part 亥, which historically aids in pronunciation. Originally, this character was associated with fruit pits, such as the "peach pit" (桃の核), but its meaning has expanded to encompass broader concepts like core and essence.

Nowadays, 核 is more commonly known for its use in scientific and political terms, especially in discussions about nuclear energy and disarmament. However, it still appears in everyday contexts, such as in expressions that describe the central part of something. This semantic evolution shows how a word can acquire new meanings over time.

How to memorize and use 核[かく]

An effective way to memorize 核 is to associate it with common compound words, like 核実験 (nuclear test) or 核戦争 (nuclear war). Creating flashcards with practical examples can help reinforce not only the meaning but also the context in which the word appears.

Another tip is to pay attention to news or articles discussing topics related to atomic energy or international politics, as 核 frequently appears in these contents. The more you familiarize yourself with the word in different situations, the more natural its use will become in the future.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 原子核 (Genshi-kaku) - Atomic nucleus
• 原核 (Genkaku) - Primary nucleus
• 核心 (Kakushin) - Central part / core of something
• 中心 (Chūshin) - Center / central point
• 中枢 (Chūsū) - Core / control center
• 中央 (Chūō) - Center / central part of an area
• 中央部 (Chūōbu) - Central part of a structure
• 中央核 (Chūōkaku) - core
• 中央核団 (Chūōkakudan) - Grouping of core nuclei
• 中央神経 (Chūō shinkei) - Central nerves
• 中央神経系 (Chūō shinkei-kei) - Central nervous system
• 核子 (Kakushi) - Nucleon (proton or neutron)
• 核心部 (Kakushinbu) - Central part of the nucleus
• 核中心 (Kakuchūshin) - Nucleus center
• 核融合 (Kaku yūgō) - Nuclear fusion
• 核分裂 (Kaku bunretsu) - Nuclear fission
• 原子核団 (Genshi kakudan) - Grouping of atomic nuclei
• 原子核子 (Genshi kaku-shi) - Atomic nucleon
• 原子核物理学 (Genshi kaku butsurigaku) - Nuclear physics
• 核磁気共鳴 (Kaku jiki kyōmei) - Nuclear magnetic resonance
• 核酸 (Kakusan) - Nucleic acid
• 核酸塩基 (Kakusan enki) - Nucleic base
• 核酸合成 (Kakusan gōsei) - Nucleic acid synthesis
• 核酸配列 (Kakusan hairetsu) - Nucleic acid sequence
• 核酸分子 (Kakusan bunshi) - Nucleic acid molecule
• 核酸構造 (Kakusan kōzō) - Nucleic acid structure
• 核蛋白質 (Kaku tanpaishitsu) - Nucleoprotein
• 核膜 (Kakumaku) - Nuclear membrane
• 核小体 (Kaku shōtai) - Nuclear bodies
• 核外 (Kaku-gai) - Extracellular to the nucleus

核

Romaji: kaku
Kana: かく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: core

Meaning in English: nucleus;kernel

Definition: The central part is important.

Example Sentences - (核) kaku

See below some example sentences:

結核は治療が必要な病気です。

Kekkaku wa chiryou ga hitsuyou na byouki desu

Tuberculosis is a disease that requires treatment.

Tuberculosis is a disease that requires treatment.

• 結核 (けっかく) - tuberculosis
• は - Topic particle
• 治療 (ちりょう) - Treatment
• が - subject particle
• 必要 (ひつよう) - necessary
• な - adjective particle
• 病気 (びょうき) - disease
• です - verb to be in the polite form

核兵器は絶対に使用してはいけない。

Kaku heiki wa zettai ni shiyou shite wa ikenai

Never use nuclear weapons.

• 核兵器 - nuclear weapon
• は - Topic particle
• 絶対に - absolutely
• 使用して - using
• はいけない - not allowed