原子
genshi[ɡẽ̞ɰ̃ɕi]
The Japanese word for atom is 原子 (genshi) or アトム (atomu).
Meaning: chemistry, physics: smallest possible amount of matter retaining its chemical properties (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 原子 | genshi | [ɡẽ̞ɰ̃ɕi] (narrow) |
| アトム | atomu | [a̠to̞mɯ̟] (narrow) |
In the context of chemistry and physics, an atom is the smallest possible amount of matter that retains its chemical properties.
Which one should you use?
原子 is the scientific, academic and technical term used to refer to an atom. In contrast, アトム is a loanword used primarily in names, pop culture or as a stylistic choice.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to multiple atoms in a scientific context using 原子, you use the same form and often add a counter such as 個 (ko) or simply use a number.
How do you pronounce it?
genshi
When do people say it?
The famous character Astro Boy is known in Japan as 鉄腕アトム (Tetsuwan Atomu).
Did you know?
- The word 原子 (genshi) literally translates to 'original element' or 'root element'.
- The word 原子 (genshi) is a homonym for other words meaning 'primitive' or 'ancient' when spoken as 'genshi'.
- In Japanese, the word 原子爆弾 (genshibakudan) is the standard term for 'atomic bomb' and is frequently shortened to 原爆 (genbaku).
Examples in context
- 鉄腕アトムが国を危険から守った。Iron Arm Atom protected the country from danger.This sentence shows the use of アトム in a pop culture name.Tatoeba #173110 by small_snow, translation #928603 by Scott
- 水分子は、２個の水素原子と１個の酸素原子からなる。A water molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.This sentence demonstrates how to use 原子 to describe atoms within a molecule.Tatoeba #143630 by mookeee, translation #270937 by CK
- 「この研究は原子の挙動に関する新たな洞察を提供します。」This study provides new insights into the behavior of atoms.
- 原子は非常に小さいものです。genshi wa hijō ni chiisai mono desu.An atom is an extremely small thing.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a science project in the classroom.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲、原子の模型を貸してくれる？Misaki, genshi no mokei o kashite kureru?Misaki, can you lend me the atom model?
- 美咲 Misakiいいよ。大翔はどの原子を使いたいの？Ii yo. Daito wa dono genshi o tsukaitai no?Sure. Which atom do you want to use, Daito?
- 大翔 Hiroto炭素の原子を使いたいんだ。Tanso no genshi o tsukaitai nda.I want to use the carbon atom.
- 美咲 Misakiわかった。ここにあるよ。Wakatta. Koko ni aru yo.Got it. It's right here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “atom” translations and entries 原子, アトム, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
