純粋
junsui[d͡ʑɨ̃ɰ̃sɨi]
The English phrase "pure" is translated into Japanese as 純粋 (junsui).
純粋 is used to describe something that is free of foreign material, pollutants or adulteration. It is often applied to abstract concepts such as the purity of thoughts, intentions, character or academic subjects like mathematics.
Meaning: free of foreign material or pollutants (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of two kanji: 純, meaning pure or genuine and 粋, meaning essence or purity.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 純粋 as an adjective to modify a noun, use the form 純粋な. When using it as a predicate at the end of a sentence, it takes the copula だ or です, such as in 純粋だ.
How do you pronounce it?
junsui
Did you know?
- In Japanese, calling a person 純粋 can sometimes be a 'backhanded compliment' implying they are 'naive' or 'too innocent' for the real world.
- The kanji 純 contains the radical for 'gold' or 'metal' (金), which suggests that the original concept of 'purity' was linked to the refining of precious metals.
- The second kanji in 純粋, 粋, is also used in the word 粋, which refers to a specific type of 'chic' or 'refined' aesthetic in Edo-period culture. This adds a layer of 'stylishness' to the concept of purity.
Examples in context
- 今日の純粋数学は明日の応用数学。Today's pure mathematics is tomorrow's applied mathematics.This sentence demonstrates the use of 純粋 in the context of mathematics.Tatoeba #2207215 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #367530 by MUIRIEL
- 仮令遊女でも純粋な恋をすれば、その恋は無垢な清いものです。Even if she's a prostitute which falls in love, her love is a pure and noble feeling.This sentence shows how 純粋 can describe the purity of a feeling or love.Tatoeba #3436314 by tommy_san, translation #4628172 by Multidrive
- 近頃では、結婚の動機は必ずしも純粋とは限らない。These days, the motives for marriage are not necessarily pure.This sentence illustrates the use of the phrase to describe the purity of motives.Tatoeba #179849 by mookeee, translation #18708 by Zifre
- 彼女の心は清らかだ。Her heart is pure.
- 彼は純粋な人間だ。He is a pure person.
- お清らかな心A pure heart (polite form)
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are talking about a skincare product.
- 結衣 Yuiこのオイルは純粋な成分だけでできているの。Kono oiru wa junsui na seibun dake de dekite iru no.This oil is made of only pure ingredients.
- 陽太 Yotaへえ、肌に優しいんだろうね。Hee, hada ni yasashii ndarou ne.Oh, it must be gentle on the skin.
- 結衣 Yuiうん、不純物がなくて安心だよ。Un, fujunbutsu ga nakute anshin dayo.Yeah, it's safe because there are no impurities.
- 陽太 Yota僕も使ってみようかな。Boku mo tsukatte miyou kana.Maybe I'll try using it too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 純粋, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
