放射性
hōshasei[ho̞ːɕa̠se̞ː]
The Japanese word for "radioactive" is 放射性 (hōshasei).
放射性 is an adjective used to describe something that exhibits radioactivity.
Meaning: exhibiting radioactivity (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 放射性 (hōshasei) is an adjective meaning 'radioactive', the word 放射能 (hōshanō) is a noun used to mean 'radioactivity', referring to the capacity to emit radiation.
How do you pronounce it?
hōshasei
Did you know?
- The word 放射能 meaning 'radioactivity' contains the character 能, which usually means 'ability' or 'talent'.
- The character 放 in 放射性 means 'to release' or 'let go', while 射 means 'to shoot', effectively describing radioactivity as 'shooting out' particles.
- The character 性 (sei) at the end of 放射性 functions similarly to the English suffix '-ity' or '-ness'. It transforms the concept of radiation into a descriptive property of a substance.
Examples in context
- 放射性廃棄物の問題は未解決のままである。The problem of radioactive waste remains unresolved.This sentence shows how to use 放射性 to describe waste.Tatoeba #2484239 by tommy_san, translation #2592667 by WestofEden
- 日本で、粉ミルクから放射性セシウムが検出された。In Japan, radioactive cesium was detected in baby formula.This sentence demonstrates the use of 放射性 when discussing the detection of cesium in formula.Tatoeba #1283466 by Scott, translation #1283468 by Scott
- ホウレンソウと春菊から放射性物質が検出されました。Radioactive contamination was detected in spinach and edible chrysanthemum.This sentence illustrates how 放射性 is used to describe detected substances in vegetables.Tatoeba #828795 by Scott, translation #828797 by Scott
- 最新の調査によると、この地域には放射能が検出されました。According to the latest survey, radioactivity has been detected in this area.
- 放射性の物質に触れないように気をつけて。Be careful not to touch any radioactive material.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are discussing science at school.
- 健太 Kentaこの物質は放射性を持っているのかな？Kono busshitsu wa hōshasei o motte iru no kana?I wonder if this substance is radioactive?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、放射性の物質だから気をつけてね。Un, hōshasei no busshitsu dakara ki o tsukete ne.Yes, it's a radioactive substance, so be careful.
- 健太 Kentaどうやって安全に運ぶんだろう？Dō yatte anzen ni hakobu ndarō?I wonder how they transport it safely?
- 美咲 Misaki専用の容器を使うはずだよ。Sen'yō no yōki o tsukau hazu da yo.They should use a special container.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “radioactive” translations and entries 放射性, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
