How to Say "Zygote" in Japanese

接合子

setsugōshi[se̞t͡sɨɡo̞ːɕi]

The English word "zygote" is translated into Japanese as 接合子 (setsugōshi).

A zygote refers to a eukaryotic cell formed from the fusion of two gametes during the process of fertilization.

Meaning: eukaryotic cell formed from the fusion of two gametes during a fertilization process (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word is composed of 接合 (setsugō), meaning 'union' or 'joining' and 子 (shi), meaning 'child' or 'offspring'.

setsugōshi

The character 子 in 接合子 is read as 'shi' here, but in everyday Japanese it is usually read as 'ko' when referring to a child. This shift in pronunciation signals that the word is a technical scientific term rather than a description of a human baby.
While 接合子 is the precise biological term for 'zygote', Japanese speakers often use the word 受精卵 (juseiran), which literally means 'fertilized egg', in non-academic contexts.
The term 接合 (setsugō) is also used in Japanese engineering and electronics to describe the 'junction' or 'coupling' of two physical components.

受精卵の形成は受精が成功した後、卵が分裂し、成長し始める過程です。
The formation of a zygote is the process in which the fertilized egg divides and begins to grow after successful fertilization.
人間の受精卵は通常、卵管の中で子宮へと移動して着床する。
The human zygote usually moves within the Fallopian tube and implants in the uterus.
受精卵は分裂を繰り返して胚を形成します。
The zygote repeatedly divides and forms an embryo.
受精によって接合子が形成されます。
jusei ni yotte setsugoushi ga keisei saremasu.
A zygote is formed through fertilization.
顕微鏡で接合子を観察しました。
kenbikyou de setsugoushi o kansatsu shimashita.
I observed the zygote under a microscope.
この細胞は接合子です。
kono saibou wa setsugoushi desu.
This cell is a zygote.

Two students are studying biology in a library.

陽太 Yota

この図の接合子はどこにあるの？
Kono zu no setsugoushi wa doko ni aru no?
Where is the zygote in this diagram?
陽葵 Himari

ここにある小さな細胞のことだよ。
Koko ni aru chiisana saibou no koto da yo.
It is this small cell right here.
陽太 Yota

なるほど、ここから成長するんだね。
Naruhodo, koko kara seichou surun da ne.
I see, so it grows from here.
陽葵 Himari

そう、それが生物の始まりだよ。
Sou, sore ga seibutsu no hajimari da yo.
Yes, that is the beginning of a living organism.

Sources

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