化学
kagaku[ka̠ɡa̠kɯ̟]
Chemistry in Japanese is 化学 (kagaku).
化学 is the most common and universal term used to refer to the branch of natural science known as chemistry.
Meaning: branch of natural science (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 化学 refers specifically to chemistry, the borrowed English word ケミストリー (pronounced in a Japanese way) can also be used to represent the word 'chemistry'.
How do you pronounce it?
kagaku
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse 化学 (chemistry) with 科学 (science). Although they are homophones, they use different kanji.
Did you know?
- While 化学 is used for the academic field, the loanword ケミストリー is often used to describe the romantic 'chemistry' between two people.
- The kanji in 化学 literally mean 'change' and 'study'.
- Before the term 化学 became standard, Japanese speakers used the term 舎密 (seimi) to refer to the science of chemistry.
Examples in context
- 化学が嫌いだ。I hate chemistry.This sentence shows how to express a dislike for the subject using 化学.Tatoeba #4862 by bunbuku, translation #1445 by CK
- 私は化学でFを取った。I got an F in chemistry.This sentence is useful for stating a grade received in the subject using 化学.Tatoeba #2104764 by bunbuku, translation #1933290 by CK
- 彼は化学に夢中なんだ。He's really into chemistry.This sentence shows how to describe being very interested in 化学.Tatoeba #9696271 by small_snow, translation #9353041 by DJ_Saidez
- 化学は私の専攻です。Chemistry is my major.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are talking about their school timetable.
- 美咲 Misaki明日の化学の時間はどこでありますか？Ashita no kagaku no jikan wa doko de arimasu ka?Where is the chemistry class tomorrow?
- 大翔 Hiroto理科準備室であると思うよ。Rika junbi shitsu de aru to omou yo.I think it is in the science prep room.
- 美咲 Misaki化学の実験はとても楽しみです。Kagaku no jikken wa totemo tanoshimi desu.I am really looking forward to the chemistry experiment.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうだね、僕も楽しみだよ。Sou da ne, boku mo tanoshimi da yo.Yeah, I'm looking forward to it too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chemistry” translations and entries 化学, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 化学, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
