再生可能エネルギー
saisei-kanō enerugī[sa̠ise̞ː ka̠no̞ː e̞ne̞ɾɯ̟ɡʲiː]
The English phrase "renewable energy" is translated into Japanese as 再生可能エネルギー (saisei-kanō enerugī).
The term refers to energy collected from renewable resources.
Meaning: energy collected from renewable resources (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound made of saisei (regeneration), kanō (possible) and the loanword enerugī (energy).
Which one should you use?
再生可能エネルギー is the full, standard term, while 再エネ is a common abbreviation used to refer to the same concept.
How do you pronounce it?
saisei-kanō enerugī
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the phrase 再生 can also refer to 'reincarnation' in a spiritual context, giving the term for renewable energy a subtle linguistic link to the cycle of life and death.
- The word 再生 in 再生可能エネルギー is the same word used for 'playback' when starting a video or music track on a digital device.
- The abbreviation 再エネ is so prevalent in Japan that it often appears in news headlines and official government slogans, treating the shortened form as a standalone technical term rather than just casual slang.
Examples in context
- 私たちの目標は、再生可能エネルギーの普及と利用の増加です。Our goal is to promote and increase the use of renewable energy.
- 自然エネルギーの可能性をもっと広めるべきです。We should further promote the potential of natural energy.
- 再生可能エネルギーへの転換が必要です。Saisei kanou enerugii e no tenkan ga hitsuyou desu.A transition to renewable energy is necessary.
- 再生可能エネルギーは環境に優しいです。Saisei kanou enerugii wa kankyou ni yasashii desu.Renewable energy is eco-friendly.
- この地域では再生可能エネルギーを活用しています。Kono chiiki de wa saisei kanou enerugii o katsuyou shite imasu.This region utilizes renewable energy.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are discussing environmental issues at a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta最近、再生可能エネルギーに注目が集まっていますね。Saikin, saisei kanou enerugii ni chuumoku ga atsumatte imasu ne.Recently, a lot of attention has been on renewable energy, hasn't it?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、地球の未来にとって大切だと思います。Hai, chikyuu no mirai ni totte taisetsu da to omoimasu.Yes, I think it's important for the future of the planet.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは、太陽光発電に興味がありますか？Himari-san wa, taiyoukou hatsuden ni kyoumi ga arimasu ka?Himari, are you interested in solar power generation?
- 陽葵 Himariええ、とても興味があります。Ee, totemo kyoumi ga arimasu.Yes, I am very interested.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “renewable energy” translations and entries 再生可能エネルギー, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
