数学
sūgaku[sɨːɡa̠kɯ̟]
The English phrase mathematics is translated into Japanese as 数学 (sūgaku).
数学 is the standard and widely recognized term for mathematics in Japan. While it refers to the broad academic field, the term 数理 specifically refers to mathematical principles and theories.
Meaning: field of study (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
sūgaku
Did you know?
- While 数学 covers the broad field, a Japanese person might use the word 算数 (sansū) to refer specifically to arithmetic or elementary school mathematics.
- The suffix 学 is a common pattern in Japanese for almost all academic disciplines, such as 物理学 (physics) or 哲学 (philosophy).
- Japanese textbooks often divide 数学 into strictly categorized levels like 数学I and 数学A to distinguish between general and advanced applications.
Examples in context
- 数学はムズイ。Mathematics is difficult.This sentence is useful for expressing that mathematics is difficult.Tatoeba #11571579 by small_snow, translation #11559480 by carlosalberto
- 数学が得意です。I'm good at mathematics.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are good at mathematics.Tatoeba #143578 by wat, translation #944962 by CK
- 数学は苦手です。I am not good at mathematics.Tatoeba #10561186 by small_snow, translation #1019899 by CM
- 58 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their university courses.
- 美咲 Misaki数学の授業はどうですか？Suugaku no jugyou wa dou desu ka?How is the mathematics class?
- 大翔 Hiroto数学はとても面白いです。Suugaku wa totemo omoshiroi desu.Mathematics is very interesting.
- 美咲 Misakiそれは良かったです。Sore wa yokatta desu.That is good to hear.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲さんも受講しますか？Misaki-san mo jukou shimasu ka?Will you take it too, Misaki?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mathematics” translations and entries 数学, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
