親和性
shinwasei
The English phrase affinity can be translated into Japanese as 親和性 (shinwasei). If unsure, use 親和性. Wiktionary also lists アフィニティ (afiniti).
Meaning: natural attraction or feeling of kinship to a person or thing (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 親和性 | shinwasei |
| アフィニティ | afiniti |
The term 親和性 refers to a natural attraction or a feeling of kinship. In scientific fields such as chemistry and biology, it is frequently used to describe the tendency of substances to combine or react with one another. To express that a person or thing possesses an affinity, it is most commonly used with the verb phrase がある.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 親和性 is composed of 親 (kinship or intimacy), 和 (harmony or peace) and 性 (nature or property).
Which one should you use?
There are two main forms to consider. In contrast, the katakana version アフィニティ is used primarily in marketing, computing or as a loanword in specific professional niches.
How do you pronounce it?
shinwasei
Did you know?
- While 親和性 describes a natural fit, Japanese uses the distinct term 相性 (aishou) specifically for the 'chemistry' or compatibility between two people in a romantic or social sense.
- The character 和 in 親和性 represents 'Wa', a foundational Japanese cultural concept of social harmony and the general term for 'Japanese style' in food and art.
- While 親和性 is the standard term for 'affinity', the word 親 can also be used in everyday language to mean 'parent', creating a subconscious link between 'affinity' and 'familial ties' in Japanese.
Examples in context
- 鉄は硫黄に、水素は酸素に親和性がある。Iron has an affinity for sulphur, and so does hydrogen for oxygen.This sentence shows how to use 親和性 to describe the affinity of chemical elements.Tatoeba #2140086 by Blanka_Meduzo, translation #10118943 by kedymera
- このデザインは、このブランドに親和性がある。Kono dezain wa, kono burando ni shinwa-sei ga aru.This design has an affinity with this brand.
- 新しいツールは、既存のシステムとの親和性が高い。Atarashii tsuuru wa, kizon no shisutemu to no shinwa-sei ga takai.The new tool has high affinity with the existing system.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are discussing a new art project.
- 健太 Kentaこのデザイン、いい感じだね。Kono dezain, ii kanji da ne.This design feels really good.
- 美咲 Misakiうん、私の好みの色に親和性があるわ。Un, watashi no konomi no iro ni shinwasei ga aru wa.Yeah, it has an affinity with the colors I like.
- 健太 Kenta確かに、すごく調和しているよ。Tashika ni, sugoku chōwa shite iru yo.True, it's very harmonious.
- 美咲 Misakiそのまま進めてみよう。Sono mama susumete miyō.Let's go ahead with it as it is.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “affinity” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
