Translation and Meaning of: 酸素 - sanso

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 酸素 (さんそ - sanso). But what does it mean exactly? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and uses of this word in everyday Japanese, as well as tips for memorizing it easily. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful information for those who truly want to learn Japanese.

酸素 is a common word in Japanese vocabulary, especially in scientific and everyday contexts. If you have watched anime or read manga that involves chemistry or medicine, you have probably seen it being used. But does it appear in other contexts? Let's find out!

The meaning and origin of 酸素

The word 酸素 (さんそ) means "oxygen" in Japanese. It is composed of two kanji: 酸 (san), which can mean "acid" or "sour," and 素 (so), which has various meanings, such as "element," "base," or "raw material." Together, these characters form the term that represents the chemical element essential for breathing.

The origin of this word dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when Western studies on chemistry began to influence Japan. The term was created to translate the concept of "oxygen," discovered in the 18th century. Interestingly, the choice of kanji reflects the understanding of the time regarding the role of oxygen in the formation of acids, hence the use of 酸.

How 酸素 is used in everyday Japanese?

In daily life, 酸素 appears frequently in scientific, medical, and even commercial contexts. For example, you might find it in packaging for hydrogen peroxide (酸素水 - sansosui) or in discussions about air pollution. Hospitals and clinics also use the term to refer to equipment such as oxygen masks (酸素マスク - sanso masuku).

Additionally, the word appears in expressions like 酸素不足 (sanso busoku), which means "lack of oxygen," common in situations of physical exertion or at high altitudes. If you practice sports or have heard about climbers in Japan, you may have encountered this expression in reports or conversations.

Tips for memorizing 酸素

An effective way to remember this word is to associate the kanji 酸 (san) with something sour or acidic, since oxygen is present in many acidic compounds. Meanwhile, 素 (so) can be linked to the idea of "basic element," reinforcing that oxygen is one of the essential elements for life.

Another tip is to create flashcards with images of objects related to oxygen, such as gas cylinders or medical masks, alongside the written kanji. Spaced repetition, a technique used in apps like Anki, also helps to solidify the term in memory. And of course, whenever possible, try to use the word in simple sentences to internalize its meaning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 酸素 (Sanso) - Oxygen

酸素

Romaji: sanso
Kana: さんそ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: oxygen

Meaning in English: oxygen

Definition: An essential gas for the respiration and combustion of living beings. The symbol on the periodic table is O.

Example Sentences - (酸素) sanso

See below some example sentences:

酸素は人間にとって必要不可欠な要素です。

Sanso wa ningen ni totte hitsuyōfukaketsu na yōso desu

Oxygen is an essential element for humans.

• 酸素 (sanso) - Oxygen
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 人間 (ningen) - Human being
• にとって (ni totte) - For
• 必要不可欠 (hitsuyoufukaketsu) - Essential, indispensable
• な (na) - adjectival particle
• 要素 (yousou) - Element
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar

大気中には酸素や窒素などが含まれています。

Taiki chuu ni wa sanso ya chisso nado ga fukumarete imasu

The atmosphere contains oxygen and nitrogen.

• 大気中には - means "in the air" in Japanese
• 酸素 - means "oxygen" in Japanese
• や - is a linking particle in Japanese
• 窒素 - means "nitrogen" in Japanese
• など - means "and others" in Japanese
• が - is a subject particle in Japanese
• 含まれています - means "is included" in Japanese