生化学
seikagaku[se̞ːka̠ɡa̠kɯ̟]
The English word biochemistry is translated into Japanese as 生化学 (seikagaku).
生化学 refers to the chemistry of those compounds that occur in living organisms, and the processes that occur in their metabolism and catabolism.
Meaning: the chemistry of those compounds that occur in living organisms, and the processes that occur in their metabolism and catabolism (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
seikagaku
Did you know?
- The character 生 in 生化学 can be read as 'nama', which refers to things that are 'raw' or 'fresh'. In a non-scientific context, this same character describes 'raw' fish or 'raw' beer.
- The word 化学 for 'chemistry' is composed of characters meaning 'change' and 'study'. This reflects an ancient view of chemistry as the study of how substances transform.
- In Japanese academic settings, the term is often shortened to 生化 (seika) in informal lab shorthand, though 生化学 remains the standard formal name.
Examples in context
- 私は生物化学についての研究を行っています。I am conducting research in biochemistry.
- 大学で生化学を専攻しています。Daigaku de seikagaku o senkou shite imasu.I am majoring in biochemistry at university.
- 生化学の講義はとても難しいです。Seikagaku no kougi wa totemo muzukashii desu.The biochemistry lecture is very difficult.
- 彼は生化学の専門家です。Kare wa seikagaku no senmonka desu.He is a biochemistry expert.
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their university classes.
- 結衣 Yui結衣さんは今、何の授業を受けていますか？Yui-san wa ima, nan no jugyou o uketeimasu ka?Yui, what class are you taking now?
- 健太 Kenta今は生化学のクラスを受けています。Ima wa seikagaku no kurasu o uketeimasu.I'm taking a biochemistry class right now.
- 結衣 Yui生化学は難しそうですね。Seikagaku wa muzukashisou desu ne.Biochemistry seems difficult.
- 健太 Kentaはい、でもとても面白いですよ。Hai, demo totemo omoshiroi desu yo.Yes, but it's very interesting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “biochemistry” translations and entries 生化学, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
