物理
butsuri
The English word "physics" is translated into Japanese as 物理 (butsuri).
Meaning: branch of science (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, it means "the principles of things".
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer specifically to the formal academic field of physics, use the term 物理学.
How do you pronounce it?
butsuri
Did you know?
- The word 物理 is used in the term 物理的に 'physically', which often describes something as being 'logically or materially impossible' rather than referring to the human body.
- In Japanese schools, 物理 is often paired with 化学 'chemistry' to form the combined subject 物理化学 'physical chemistry', but students often colloquially refer to their science track simply as 理系 'science-type'.
- The word 物理 (butsuri) originates from Middle Chinese and originally referred to the general way things work in life or the nature of matters, rather than just the scientific field.
Examples in context
- 物理って得意？Are you good at physics?This sentence shows how to use the particle って after 物理 to ask about a subject.Tatoeba #9796386 by small_snow, translation #9778802 by Nylez
- 物理は難しい。Physics is hard.Tatoeba #13388238 by small_snow, translation #5955956 by mailohilohi
- 私は物理は苦手だ。I have trouble with physics.Tatoeba #152930 by bunbuku, translation #261615 by CK
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their university classes.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔は、今学期に物理を履修しているの？Daito wa, kongakki ni butsuri o rishū shite iru no?Daito, are you taking physics this semester?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、でも物理の課題が多すぎるよ。Un, demo butsuri no kadai ga ōsugiru yo.Yeah, but there are too many physics assignments.
- 陽葵 Himariやっぱり物理は大変そうだね。Yappari butsuri wa taihen sō da ne.Physics really seems tough, doesn't it?
- 大翔 Hiroto本当に。陽葵に教えてほしいくらいだよ。Hontō ni. Himari ni oshiete hoshii kurai da yo.Seriously. I almost want you to teach it to me, Himari.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 物理, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
