分子 en 30 segundos
- Bunshi means 'molecule' in chemistry, representing the smallest unit of a chemical compound that can exist independently.
- In mathematics, bunshi refers to the 'numerator', the top part of a fraction that indicates how many parts are taken.
- The word is composed of kanji meaning 'part' and 'child', emphasizing its role as a component of a larger whole.
- It is also used formally to describe individuals as 'elements' or 'members' of a group, sometimes with a negative nuance.
The Japanese word 分子 (bunshi) is a multifaceted noun primarily used in two distinct academic fields: science and mathematics. At its core, the kanji characters represent 'part' or 'division' (分) and 'child' or 'small object' (子). This combination perfectly encapsulates its meaning as a fundamental building block or a specific component of a larger whole. In the realm of chemistry and physics, it refers to a molecule—the smallest particle of a substance that retains all the chemical properties of that substance. In mathematics, it refers to the numerator, which is the number above the line in a fraction, indicating how many parts of the whole are being considered.
- Scientific Context
- Refers to a group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical reaction. For example, a water molecule (H₂O) consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
- Mathematical Context
- Refers to the top number in a fraction (e.g., in 3/4, the number 3 is the 分子). It represents the count of equal parts.
- Sociological Context
- Occasionally used metaphorically to describe an individual as a 'member' or 'element' of a group, often seen in phrases like 'unruly elements' (不穏分子 - fuon bunshi).
水は水素原子二つと酸素原子一つからなる分子です。(Water is a molecule consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.)
この分数の分子を三倍にしてください。(Please triple the numerator of this fraction.)
タンパク質は巨大な分子から構成されています。(Proteins are composed of giant molecules.)
彼は組織内の不穏な分子と見なされた。(He was regarded as a disturbing element within the organization.)
二酸化炭素の分子構造を調べましょう。(Let's examine the molecular structure of carbon dioxide.)
- Etymology
- The term was adopted during the Meiji era to translate Western scientific concepts. The use of '子' to denote small particles is common in Japanese (e.g., 原子 - atom, 粒子 - particle).
Understanding 'Bunshi' requires recognizing the context immediately. If you are in a lab, it's a molecule. If you are in a math class, it's a numerator. If you are reading a political thriller, it might be a 'radical element'. This versatility makes it a high-frequency word in academic and formal Japanese. In everyday conversation, it is less common unless discussing health (e.g., molecular nutrition) or helping a child with homework. The word carries a precise, technical tone. It is rarely used in casual slang, maintaining its status as a pillar of scientific and mathematical literacy in Japan.
Using 分子 (bunshi) correctly depends heavily on whether you are discussing chemistry or mathematics. In chemistry, it often appears with modifiers like 'giant' (巨大分子), 'organic' (有機分子), or 'water' (水分子). In mathematics, it is almost always paired with its counterpart, 'denominator' (分母 - bunbo). To master its usage, one must be comfortable with technical verbs like 'to constitute' (構成する), 'to divide' (割る), or 'to bond' (結合する).
- Scientific Usage
- Used to describe the physical structure of matter. '分子量' (bunshiryou) refers to molecular weight. '分子構造' (bunshi kouzou) refers to molecular structure.
- Mathematical Usage
- Used when explaining calculations. '分子を払う' (bunshi o harau) can mean to clear the numerator or simplify, though more commonly used for clearing denominators.
高分子材料の研究が進んでいる。(Research on polymer/macromolecular materials is progressing.)
In a sentence, 'bunshi' functions as a standard noun. It can be the subject, object, or part of a compound. For example, '分子が動く' (molecules move) or '分子を計算する' (calculate the numerator). When describing the composition of something, use the particle 'からなる' (consisting of). For instance, 'DNAは複雑な分子からなっている' (DNA consists of complex molecules). In the sociological sense, it is often used with '不穏' (unsettling) or '過激' (radical) to describe people. '過激分子' (kageki bunshi) means radical elements or extremists. This usage is formal and often found in news reports or history books.
You will encounter 分子 (bunshi) in specific environments. It is not a word you would typically use while buying groceries, but it is ubiquitous in educational and professional settings. Japanese students learn this word in elementary school math (for fractions) and middle school science (for chemistry). Therefore, any educational content, from textbooks to YouTube tutorials like 'Try IT' or 'Stardy', will use this term frequently.
- In Schools
- Teachers explaining fractions: '分子と分母を入れ替えてください' (Please swap the numerator and denominator).
- In News/Documentaries
- Science programs explaining climate change might discuss '二酸化炭素分子' (carbon dioxide molecules).
- In News (Politics)
- Reporting on internal party conflicts: '反主流派の分子' (elements of the anti-mainstream faction).
この化学反応では、分子間の結合が切れます。(In this chemical reaction, the bonds between molecules are broken.)
If you enjoy Japanese anime or manga with sci-fi themes (like 'Dr. Stone' or 'Fullmetal Alchemist'), you will hear 'bunshi' quite often. It adds a layer of scientific realism to the dialogue. Similarly, in medical dramas, doctors might discuss 'molecular-targeted drugs' (分子標的薬 - bunshi hyouteki yaku). In the business world, it might appear in high-tech manufacturing or pharmaceutical contexts. Understanding this word is essential for anyone looking to pass the JLPT N2 or N1 levels, as it frequently appears in reading passages about science or society.
The most common mistake learners make with 分子 (bunshi) is confusing it with its mathematical or scientific counterparts. Because Japanese has many words ending in 'shi' (子) or 'gen' (元), it's easy to mix them up during a fast-paced lecture or conversation.
- Confusing with 原子 (genshi)
- 'Genshi' means 'atom'. Remember: Atoms (原子) combine to form molecules (分子). Atoms are the 'origin' (原), molecules are the 'parts' (分).
- Confusing with 分母 (bunbo)
- 'Bunbo' is the denominator. A common error is saying 'bunshi' when you mean the bottom number of a fraction. Remember 'Bo' (母) means mother, who supports the 'Shi' (子) child.
- Confusing with 粒子 (ryuushi)
- 'Ryuushi' is a general term for 'particle'. While a molecule is a type of particle, 'ryuushi' is much broader and can include dust, sand, or subatomic particles.
× 分母を三にする (Make the numerator 3 - when you meant the top number).
○ 分子を三にする (Make the numerator 3).
Another mistake is using 'bunshi' to describe a 'member' of a social club in a friendly way. While 'bunshi' can mean 'element' or 'member', it usually has a cold, clinical, or even negative (radical) connotation. If you want to say 'I am a member of the tennis club', use '会員' (kaiin) or 'メンバー' (menbaa), not 'bunshi'. Using 'bunshi' in that context would make you sound like a robot or a secret agent describing a cell of operatives.
To truly understand 分子 (bunshi), it helps to compare it with related vocabulary in the scientific and mathematical hierarchies. Japanese terminology is very systematic, often using shared kanji to show relationships between concepts.
- 原子 (Genshi - Atom)
- The basic unit of a chemical element. Molecules are made of atoms.
- 素粒子 (Soryuushi - Elementary Particle)
- Even smaller than atoms (like quarks or electrons).
- 分母 (Bunbo - Denominator)
- The bottom part of a fraction. The 'mother' of the division.
- 成分 (Seibun - Ingredient/Component)
- Used for food or chemical compositions in a general sense.
この物質の主成分は、特定の分子です。(The main component of this substance is a specific molecule.)
In mathematics, you might also hear '項' (kou - term) or '係数' (keisuu - coefficient). While 'bunshi' is specific to fractions, these words are used in general algebra. In science, '高分子' (koubunshi) is a very common term meaning 'polymer' or 'macromolecule', used extensively in the plastics and biotech industries. Knowing these related words allows you to navigate technical discussions with much greater precision and confidence.
How Formal Is It?
Nivel de dificultad
Gramática que debes saber
AはBからなる (A consists of B)
AをBで割る (Divide A by B)
〜レベルで (At the ~ level)
〜と見なされる (To be regarded as ~)
〜に作用する (To act on ~)
Ejemplos por nivel
これは水の分子です。
This is a water molecule.
Simple A is B structure.
分子は上の数字です。
The numerator is the top number.
Topic marker 'wa'.
分子と分母を書きます。
I write the numerator and denominator.
Particle 'to' for 'and'.
小さな分子が見えますか？
Can you see the small molecules?
Adjective 'chiisana' modifying 'bunshi'.
分子はとても小さいです。
Molecules are very small.
Adverb 'totemo' for emphasis.
この分子の名前は何ですか？
What is the name of this molecule?
Question form 'nan desu ka'.
一は分子です。
One is the numerator.
Identifying a specific part.
理科で分子を習いました。
I learned about molecules in science class.
Past tense 'naraimashita'.
水分子は水素と酸素でできています。
Water molecules are made of hydrogen and oxygen.
Using 'de dekite iru' for composition.
分数の分子を大きくしてください。
Please make the numerator of the fraction larger.
Causative-like request 'ookiku shite kudasai'.
空気の中には色々な分子があります。
There are various molecules in the air.
Existential 'arimasu'.
分子の動きを観察しましょう。
Let's observe the movement of the molecules.
Volitional 'mashou'.
この分子は二つの原子からなります。
This molecule consists of two atoms.
Verb 'naru' (to consist of).
テストで分子と分母を間違えました。
I mixed up the numerator and denominator on the test.
Mistake verb 'machigaemashita'.
砂糖の分子は水に溶けます。
Sugar molecules dissolve in water.
Intransitive verb 'tokeru'.
分子の形をモデルで作ります。
We will make the shape of the molecule with a model.
Instrumental particle 'de'.
温度が上がると、分子の運動が激しくなります。
As the temperature rises, molecular motion becomes more intense.
Conditional 'to' for natural consequence.
分子式を使って、物質を表します。
We represent substances using molecular formulas.
Using 'te-form' for method.
この分数の分子を分母で割ってください。
Please divide the numerator of this fraction by the denominator.
Instructional 'te kudasai'.
タンパク質は非常に大きな分子です。
Proteins are extremely large molecules.
Adverb 'hijou ni' for high degree.
二酸化炭素分子は地球温暖化に関係しています。
Carbon dioxide molecules are related to global warming.
Compound 'ni kankei shite iru'.
分子レベルでの研究が必要です。
Research at the molecular level is necessary.
Noun + 'reberu' (level).
この薬は特定の分子に作用します。
This medicine acts on specific molecules.
Target particle 'ni' with 'sayou suru'.
分子構造を解析する装置を買いました。
I bought a device to analyze molecular structures.
Relative clause modifying 'souchi'.
高分子化学はプラスチックの開発に不可欠です。
Polymer chemistry is essential for the development of plastics.
Formal 'fukaketsu' (essential).
分子間の引力がこの現象を引き起こします。
Intermolecular attraction causes this phenomenon.
Causative 'hikiokosu'.
彼は組織内の不穏分子を排除しようとした。
He tried to eliminate the unsettling elements within the organization.
Volitional + 'to suru' (try to).
分子生物学の進歩により、病気の治療が変わった。
Advances in molecular biology have changed the treatment of diseases.
Reasoning 'ni yori' (due to).
分母と分子に同じ数を掛けても、分数の値は変わりません。
Even if you multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number, the value of the fraction doesn't change.
Concessive 'te mo' (even if).
この液体は分子が規則正しく並んでいます。
The molecules in this liquid are arranged regularly.
Adverbial 'kisoku tadashiku'.
新しい分子標的薬が承認されました。
A new molecular-targeted drug has been approved.
Passive voice 'shounin saremashita'.
分子の極性が溶解度に影響を与えます。
The polarity of the molecule affects its solubility.
Abstract 'eikyou o ataeru'.
自己複製する分子の出現が生命の起源とされています。
The emergence of self-replicating molecules is considered the origin of life.
Passive 'to sarete iru' (is considered).
社会の各層に過激な分子が潜んでいる可能性がある。
There is a possibility that radical elements are lurking in every layer of society.
Noun + 'no kanousei ga aru'.
分子軌道法を用いて、電子の分布を計算する。
Calculate the distribution of electrons using the molecular orbital method.
Method 'o mochiite'.
このポリマーは、単量体分子が重合してできたものです。
This polymer is formed by the polymerization of monomer molecules.
Explanatory 'no desu'.
分子ガストロノミーは料理を科学的に分析する学問だ。
Molecular gastronomy is a field that scientifically analyzes cooking.
Defining 'da'.
不純物分子が結晶の成長を妨げている。
Impurity molecules are hindering the growth of the crystal.
Progressive 'samatagete iru'.
分子時計の概念により、進化の歴史を推定できる。
The history of evolution can be estimated using the concept of the molecular clock.
Potential 'suitei dekiru'.
その理論は、分子レベルの相互作用を無視している。
The theory ignores interactions at the molecular level.
Direct object 'o mushi shite iru'.
量子力学の視点から分子の挙動を再定義する。
Redefine the behavior of molecules from the perspective of quantum mechanics.
Perspective 'no shiten kara'.
体制を揺るがすような危険分子の動向を監視する。
Monitor the movements of dangerous elements that might shake the regime.
Modifying clause 'youna'.
分子認識能を持つ人工受容体の合成に成功した。
Succeeded in synthesizing an artificial receptor with molecular recognition capabilities.
Result 'ni seikou shita'.
生命現象を分子の離散的な挙動として捉える。
Perceive life phenomena as the discrete behavior of molecules.
Perception 'to shite toraeru'.
分子動力学シミュレーションは膨大な計算資源を要する。
Molecular dynamics simulations require vast computational resources.
Formal 'yousuru' (require).
その哲学者は、人間を社会という巨大な機械の分子と見なした。
The philosopher viewed humans as molecules of a giant machine called society.
Metaphorical 'to minashita'.
分子内水素結合がタンパク質の立体構造を決定づける。
Intramolecular hydrogen bonding determines the three-dimensional structure of proteins.
Decisive 'ketteizukeru'.
超分子化学は、分子間の非共有結合的相互作用を扱う。
Supramolecular chemistry deals with non-covalent interactions between molecules.
Subject matter 'o atau'.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
Modismos y expresiones
Fácil de confundir
Patrones de oraciones
Familia de palabras
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Always the top number.
Can be negative (radical/unruly).
Smallest unit of a compound.
- Saying 'bunshi' for the bottom of a fraction.
- Using 'bunshi' to mean 'atom'.
- Using 'bunshi' for 'member' in a casual club setting.
- Forgetting the pitch accent and sounding like 'bunshi' (division/history - different word).
- Writing the kanji '分' incorrectly as '八' over '刀'.
Consejos
The Child Top
The 'Shi' in Bunshi means child. Children like to be picked up, so they stay on top of the fraction.
Compound Unit
A molecule is the smallest part of a compound. Think of it as the 'unit' of a substance.
Fraction Parts
Always pair Bunshi with Bunbo in your mind to remember both at once.
Writing Tip
The kanji '分' is used in 'wakarimasu' (to understand), implying a division of knowledge.
Prefixes
Notice how many science words end in 'shi' (子). It often means a small particle.
Group Elements
Be careful using 'bunshi' for people; it can sound like you're talking about a spy or a rebel.
Practice
Write out 5 fractions and label the 'bunshi' on each one.
Audio Clue
The 'Bun' sound is short and sharp. Don't confuse it with 'Bun' in 'Bunpou' (grammar).
Context Clues
If you see chemical symbols like H2O nearby, it definitely means 'molecule'.
Formal Tone
Use 'bunshi' when you want to sound precise and academic.
Memorízalo
Origen de la palabra
Coined during the Meiji period to translate Western scientific terms. The 'child' suffix was used to denote small particles.
Contexto cultural
Used metaphorically to describe social harmony or lack thereof.
Japan's strong chemical and materials industry makes this a common professional word.
Essential for the Japanese school curriculum.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Inicios de conversación
"分数の分子と分母、どっちが上か覚えてる？ (Do you remember which is on top, the numerator or the denominator?)"
"水分子の構造って面白いよね。 (The structure of a water molecule is interesting, isn't it?)"
"不穏分子って言葉、ニュースで聞いたことある？ (Have you ever heard the term 'unsettling element' on the news?)"
"高分子材料についてどう思う？ (What do you think about polymer materials?)"
"分子ガストロノミーのレストランに行ったことある？ (Have you ever been to a molecular gastronomy restaurant?)"
Temas para diario
今日、数学で分子の計算をしました。 (Today, I calculated numerators in math.)
科学の授業で、分子のモデルを作りました。 (In science class, I made a molecular model.)
社会には色々な分子がいると感じます。 (I feel there are various 'elements' in society.)
分子レベルで自分の体を考えてみると... (If I think about my body at a molecular level...)
新しい分子標的薬のニュースを読みました。 (I read news about a new molecular-targeted drug.)
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, but only in formal or metaphorical contexts like 'radical elements'. It is not for friends.
Bunshi (Child) is on top, Bunbo (Mother) is on the bottom. The mother carries the child.
No, an atom is 'genshi'. Multiple atoms usually form a 'bunshi'.
It means 'macromolecule' or 'polymer', like plastic or DNA.
Only if discussing 'molecular gastronomy' (分子ガストロノミー).
It is common in school and technical fields, but rare in casual daily life.
It is Atamadaka (1), meaning the first syllable is high.
Yes, that is the direct mathematical translation.
Yes, usually in N2 or N1 reading sections.
It is 'mizu-bunshi' (水分子).
Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Bunshi is an essential academic term in Japanese. Whether you are calculating fractions or studying chemistry, you will need this word. Remember the 'Child' (子) sits on top of the 'Mother' (母) in math, and atoms join to make 'Bunshi' in science.
- Bunshi means 'molecule' in chemistry, representing the smallest unit of a chemical compound that can exist independently.
- In mathematics, bunshi refers to the 'numerator', the top part of a fraction that indicates how many parts are taken.
- The word is composed of kanji meaning 'part' and 'child', emphasizing its role as a component of a larger whole.
- It is also used formally to describe individuals as 'elements' or 'members' of a group, sometimes with a negative nuance.
The Child Top
The 'Shi' in Bunshi means child. Children like to be picked up, so they stay on top of the fraction.
Compound Unit
A molecule is the smallest part of a compound. Think of it as the 'unit' of a substance.
Fraction Parts
Always pair Bunshi with Bunbo in your mind to remember both at once.
Writing Tip
The kanji '分' is used in 'wakarimasu' (to understand), implying a division of knowledge.
Ejemplo
水の分子です。
Contenido relacionado
Más palabras de Science
吸収
A1El acto de absorber o empaparse de algo, como líquido, luz o conocimiento. Describe procesos tanto físicos como metafóricos.
分析
B1El análisis de los datos reveló tendencias inesperadas.
原子
A1Un átomo es la unidad básica de toda la materia. Es la unidad más pequeña de un elemento químico.
引力
A1Es la fuerza física que atrae los objetos entre sí. También se usa para describir un encanto poderoso y magnético.
細菌
A1Organismos unicelulares microscópicos. Algunos causan enfermedades, otros son beneficiosos.
繁殖
A1La reproducción o multiplicación de animales, plantas o microorganismos. No se utiliza para referirse a la reproducción humana.
炭素
A1El carbono es un elemento químico esencial para la vida. Se encuentra en sustancias como el carbón y los diamantes.
触媒
A1Un catalizador. Una sustancia que acelera una reacción química, o una persona/cosa que provoca un cambio rápido.
塩素
A1El cloro es un elemento químico utilizado para desinfectar el agua y fabricar lejía. Es común sentir su olor en las piscinas.
解明
A1Esclarecimiento, elucidación. El acto de resolver un misterio o aclarar un problema complejo.
