重力
jūryoku
The English word "gravity" is translated into Japanese as 重力 (jūryoku).
重力 is the most widely used word for gravity in Japan. It can be used to describe the physical force of gravity or the state of being in zero gravity by adding the prefix 無 to form 無重力 (zero gravity or weightlessness).
Meaning: synonym of gravitation (cognates) (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 重力 is composed of the kanji 重, meaning heavy and 力, meaning force or power.
Which one should you use?
While 重力 is the most common term, 引力 also refers to gravity.
How do you pronounce it?
jūryoku
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture, especially in anime and manga, 重力 is often used in a non-scientific way to describe the 'gravitas' or oppressive aura of a powerful character.
- The term 重力 entered the Japanese scientific lexicon through 'Rangaku' or Dutch Studies, which was the primary gateway for Western science in Edo-period Japan.
- While 重力 is general gravity, the word 引力 specifically emphasizes the 'pulling' force, making it the preferred term when discussing the attraction between two celestial bodies.
Examples in context
- 無重力で魚って泳げるのかな？I wonder if fish can swim without gravity?This sentence uses 重力 to discuss the concept of weightlessness.Tatoeba #10798101 by small_snow, translation #10800038 by end
- 月の重力は地球の６分の１である。The gravity of the moon is one-sixth of that of the earth.This sentence uses 重力 to compare the gravity of the moon and the earth.Tatoeba #175650 by arnab, translation #238815 by CM
- 光速の異名を持ち重力を自在に操る高貴なる女性騎士が登場するゲームをしたい。I want to play a game where a noble female knight with the nickname "Light-Speed" freely manipulates gravity.This sentence uses 重力 in the context of a fictional character's abilities.Tatoeba #94247 by fcbond, translation #362084 by blay_paul
- 引力の理論はアインシュタインによって提唱されました。The theory of gravity was proposed by Einstein.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking about a science experiment in a classroom.
- 陽葵 Himari重力の影響を調べる実験だよ。Juuryoku no eikyou o shiraberu jikken da yo.It is an experiment to study the effects of gravity.
- 大翔 Hiroto重力って目に見えないよね。Juuryoku tte me ni mienai yo ne.Gravity is invisible, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himariそう、でも確かに感じるよね。Sou, demo tashika ni kanjiru yo ne.That's right, but we can definitely feel it.
- 大翔 Hiroto科学は面白いね。Kagaku wa omoshiroi ne.Science is interesting.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 重力, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
