人工的な en 30 secondes
- Artificial, man-made, produced by humans.
- Used for objects, materials, environments, and concepts not found in nature.
- Contrasts with 'natural' (自然な - shizen na).
- Common in discussions about technology, food, and manufacturing.
The Japanese adjective 人工的な (jinkōteki na) translates directly to 'artificial' or 'man-made' in English. It's used to describe things that are not natural, but have been created or produced by humans. This can apply to a wide range of subjects, from physical objects and materials to abstract concepts and even environments. When something is described as 人工的な, it implies a contrast with the 'natural' (自然な - shizen na) state of things. For instance, a park might have a 人工的な waterfall, meaning it was built by people, not formed by natural geological processes. Similarly, 人工的な flavors in food are those created in a lab rather than derived from natural ingredients. The nuance often carries a sense of something being manufactured, engineered, or synthesized, as opposed to occurring organically. Understanding this distinction is key to appreciating how Japanese speakers perceive the world around them, differentiating between what has arisen from nature and what is a product of human ingenuity or intervention. This term is frequently encountered when discussing technology, urban planning, food science, and even aspects of art and design where human creation is the defining characteristic. The versatility of 人工的な makes it an essential adjective for describing the modern world, where the line between the natural and the manufactured is often blurred. It prompts us to consider the origins and processes behind the things we encounter daily.
In essence, 人工的な highlights the human element in creation. It can be used neutrally to simply state the origin of something, or it might carry a slight connotation depending on the context. For example, when discussing 人工的な light, it's a factual description of how illumination is produced in a building or on a street. However, if one talks about 人工的な emotions, it might imply a lack of sincerity or genuineness. This adjective is a fundamental tool for distinguishing between the works of nature and the endeavors of humankind, playing a significant role in descriptive language across various fields. Whether it's the 人工的な turf on a sports field or the 人工的な sweetness in a diet soda, the core meaning remains consistent: created by human effort, not found in its raw form in nature. This concept is central to understanding many aspects of modern life and the way we describe our engineered surroundings. The adjective helps categorize and understand the vast array of objects and phenomena that populate our world, making it a very practical and frequently used term in Japanese conversation and writing.
Using 人工的な (jinkōteki na) in sentences is quite straightforward, as it functions as a standard na-adjective. This means it's typically followed by a noun, and when it precedes a noun, the particle な (na) is used. For example, to say 'artificial flowers', you would say 人工的な花 (jinkōteki na hana). If you want to state that something *is* artificial, you can use the copula です (desu) or だ (da) after the adjective, often with the particle だ (da) in more casual contexts, or by placing it at the end of a sentence as a predicate. For instance, 'This is artificial' would be これは人工的です (Kore wa jinkōteki desu) or これは人工的だ (Kore wa jinkōteki da).
When 人工的な modifies a noun directly, the な particle is crucial. Consider the sentence, 'The city has many artificial lights.' In Japanese, this would be その街には多くの人工的な光があります (Sono machi ni wa ōku no jinkōteki na hikari ga arimasu). Here, 人工的な describes 光 (hikari - light). You can also use it predicatively: 'The light is artificial' becomes 光は人工的です (Hikari wa jinkōteki desu). The adjective can also be used adverbially by changing the な to に (ni), although this is less common and often implies a manner of creation. For instance, one might say something was 人工的に作られた (jinkōteki ni tsukurareta - artificially made), indicating the method of production.
Furthermore, 人工的な can be used in comparative or superlative structures. For example, 'This artificial sweetener is sweeter than the natural one' could be expressed as この人工的な甘味料は、天然のものより甘いです (Kono jinkōteki na kanmiryō wa, tennen no mono yori amai desu). The adjective can also be part of more complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses. 'The artificial materials used in the building are very strong' would translate to その建物に使われている人工的な材料はとても丈夫です (Sono tatemono ni tsukawarete iru jinkōteki na zairyō wa totemo jōbu desu). Mastering the use of な before nouns is the primary step to correctly employing 人工的な in various sentence constructions. The adjective's position generally remains before the noun it modifies or at the end of the sentence when acting as a predicate.
You'll encounter 人工的な (jinkōteki na) in a surprisingly wide array of everyday situations and specialized fields. In discussions about food and drink, it's common to hear about 人工的な additives, flavors, and sweeteners. For instance, when comparing bottled juices or processed snacks, the label might mention 人工甘味料不使用 (jinkō kanmiryō fushiyō - 'no artificial sweeteners used'), highlighting a selling point. Similarly, in the beauty and cosmetics industry, terms like 人工香料 (jinkō kōryō - artificial fragrance) or 人工着色料 (jinkō chakushokuryō - artificial coloring) are frequently used, often to indicate that a product is hypoallergenic or aims for a more 'natural' feel despite being manufactured.
In the realm of technology and science, 人工的な is indispensable. The most prominent example is 人工知能 (jinkō chinō - artificial intelligence, or AI), a term you'll hear in news reports, tech discussions, and even science fiction. Beyond AI, it applies to materials science, where 人工ダイヤモンド (jinkō daiyamondo - artificial diamonds) or 人工筋肉 (jinkō kinniku - artificial muscles) are discussed. In urban planning and architecture, descriptions of 人工的な environments like 人工芝 (jinkō shiba - artificial turf) for sports fields, 人工的な照明 (jinkōteki na shōmei - artificial lighting) in buildings, or even 人工的な島 (jinkōteki na shima - artificial islands) are common. These examples illustrate how the word is used to define human intervention in creating or modifying the world around us.
Furthermore, 人工的な can appear in discussions about health and medicine. For instance, 人工呼吸 (jinkō kokyū - artificial respiration) or 人工透析 (jinkō tōseki - artificial dialysis) are medical procedures where the term signifies a life-sustaining intervention performed by technology. Even in everyday conversation, people might use it to describe things that feel less authentic, such as 人工的な笑顔 (jinkōteki na egao - an artificial smile), implying it's not genuine. The context dictates whether the usage is purely descriptive or carries a subtle connotation of being unnatural or manufactured. Listening to news, reading product descriptions, or engaging in conversations about technology, food, or even social interactions will invariably expose you to this useful adjective.
One of the most frequent errors learners make with 人工的な (jinkōteki na) is forgetting the particle な (na) when it directly modifies a noun. For instance, saying 人工的な花 is correct, but saying 人工花 (jinkō hana) is technically a compound word and might not carry the same nuance or grammatical function as the adjective phrase. While 人工花 is understood, using 人工的な花 is grammatically precise when you intend to use it as a descriptive adjective.
Another common pitfall is confusing 人工的な with words that have a similar meaning but different grammatical functions or connotations. For example, while 造られた (tsukurareta - made/created) can sometimes overlap, 人工的な specifically emphasizes the non-natural, human-made aspect, often in contrast to something natural. Using 造られた might just mean 'created' without this specific contrast. Furthermore, learners might sometimes misuse the adverbial form 人工的に (jinkōteki ni). While it means 'artificially', it's used to describe how an action is performed, not to describe a noun. For example, 人工的に作られた (jinkōteki ni tsukurareta - artificially made) is correct, but saying 人工的に水 (jinkōteki ni mizu - artificial water) would be grammatically incorrect; one should say 人工的な水 (jinkōteki na mizu - artificial water).
Finally, misjudging the context can lead to inappropriate usage. While 人工的な is often neutral, in certain situations, it can carry a negative connotation of being fake, insincere, or lacking in natural quality. For instance, describing a person's emotions as 人工的 might imply they are not genuine. Conversely, describing a product as 人工的 could be a neutral description of its origin or a positive point if it means it's free from allergens. Understanding this subtle difference based on context is crucial to avoid miscommunication. Always consider the surrounding words and the overall topic when using or interpreting 人工的な.
While 人工的な (jinkōteki na) is the most common and versatile term for 'artificial' or 'man-made,' several other words and phrases can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. One significant alternative is 合成の (gōsei no), which translates to 'synthetic' or 'composite.' This term is often used for materials that are chemically manufactured or combined from different components, such as 合成繊維 (gōsei sen'i - synthetic fibers) or 合成ゴム (gōsei gomu - synthetic rubber). While 人工的な is broader, 合成の specifically points to the process of synthesis.
Another related term is 模造の (mozō no), meaning 'imitation' or 'mock.' This is used when something is made to resemble something else, often for aesthetic or economic reasons, but without necessarily being a direct product of human labor in the same way as 人工的な implies. For example, 模造品 (mozōhin - imitation goods) or 模造宝石 (mozō hōseki - imitation jewels). This word carries a stronger sense of deception or resemblance rather than simply being man-made.
In some contexts, the verb 作られた (tsukurareta - made/created) can serve as an alternative, especially when the focus is simply on the act of creation rather than the contrast with nature. For instance, 人間が作った (ningen ga tsukutta - made by humans) is a direct way to express the 'man-made' aspect. However, 人工的な is generally preferred for its conciseness and specific implication of being non-natural. When discussing technology, 電子的 (denshi-teki - electronic) might be used if the artificial nature stems specifically from being electronic, like 電子的な音楽 (denshi-teki na ongaku - electronic music).
Finally, for abstract concepts, words like 不自然な (fushizen na - unnatural) can sometimes be used, though it carries a more negative connotation of being awkward or forced. For instance, an 不自然な smile is different from an 人工的な smile; the former implies awkwardness, while the latter implies it's manufactured. When choosing an alternative, consider whether you want to emphasize synthesis (合成の), imitation (模造の), the act of creation (作られた), or a specific technological origin (電子的).
How Formal Is It?
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Le savais-tu ?
The character 工 (kō) originally depicted a carpenter's square, symbolizing craftsmanship and work. Its inclusion in 人工 strongly emphasizes the idea of something being constructed or produced through skilled human effort, contrasting it with things that occur naturally.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing 'ji' as 'ji' (as in 'gin'). It should be closer to the 'j' in 'judge'.
- Not lengthening the 'o' sound in 'jinkō'.
- Omitting the 'na' particle or pronouncing it too quickly.
- Incorrectly stressing syllables, especially on 'teki'.
Niveau de difficulté
The adjective itself is straightforward. However, understanding the nuanced contexts in which it's used, especially when contrasted with natural elements or when carrying subtle connotations of fakeness, requires careful reading and comprehension.
Applying <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的な</mark> correctly requires remembering the 'na' particle before nouns and understanding the appropriate contexts. Overuse or misuse can lead to awkward phrasing or unintended meanings.
Pronunciation is manageable, but fluency comes from using it naturally in comparisons or descriptions. Learners might initially hesitate, opting for simpler phrasing.
Recognizing the word and its basic meaning is easy. However, grasping the intended nuance – whether neutral, positive, or negative – depends heavily on the surrounding conversation and context.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Na-Adjectives
人工的な is a na-adjective. It requires the particle な when directly preceding a noun. Example: 人工的な光 (jinkōteki na hikari).
Adverbial Form
Na-adjectives can often be turned into adverbs by changing な to に. 人工的に (jinkōteki ni) means 'artificially'. Example: 人工的に作られた (jinkōteki ni tsukurareta - artificially made).
Comparison with Natural
Use 人工的な in contrast to 自然な (shizen na). Example: 人工的な味と自然な味では、後者の方が好きだ。(Jinkōteki na aji to shizen na aji de wa, kōsha no hō ga suki da.) - Between artificial taste and natural taste, I prefer the latter.
Predicate Usage
The adjective can function as a predicate at the end of a sentence. Example: この素材は人工的です。(Kono sozai wa jinkōteki desu.) - This material is artificial.
Compound Nouns
Many common nouns start with 人工 (jinkō). 人工的な is the adjectival form derived from these concepts. Example: 人工知能 (jinkō chinō - AI) is a noun, while 人工的な知能 (jinkōteki na chinō - artificial intelligence) could be used adjectivally.
Exemples par niveau
これは人工的な花です。
This is an artificial flower.
Basic 'A wa B desu' structure with a na-adjective.
人工的な光。
Artificial light.
Adjective directly modifying a noun.
人工的ですか？
Is it artificial?
Question form of the adjective.
いいえ、人工的ではありません。
No, it is not artificial.
Negative form of the adjective.
人工的な味。
Artificial taste.
Adjective modifying a noun.
これは人工的な石です。
This is an artificial stone.
Adjective modifying a noun.
人工的な甘さ。
Artificial sweetness.
Adjective modifying a noun.
人工的な声。
Artificial voice.
Adjective modifying a noun.
この公園には人工的な滝があります。
This park has an artificial waterfall.
Using 'ni wa ... ga arimasu' for existence.
人工的な芝生は手入れが簡単です。
Artificial turf is easy to maintain.
Subject + wa + adjective + kotoga kantan desu.
その香水は人工的な香りだ。
That perfume has an artificial scent.
Subject + wa + adjective + noun + da.
人工的な光の下で勉強しています。
I am studying under artificial light.
Using 'shita de' (under) with the adjective.
彼らは人工的な素材を使いました。
They used artificial materials.
Subject + wa + object + o tsukaimashita.
人工的な歯は丈夫だ。
Artificial teeth are strong.
Plural noun with adjective.
この飲み物は人工的な甘味料が入っていますか？
Does this drink contain artificial sweeteners?
Question using 'ni wa ... ga haitte imasu ka?'
人工的な環境はあまり好きではない。
I don't really like artificial environments.
Expressing preference with 'wa amari suki dewa nai'.
現代社会では、人工的な要素が生活の至る所に見られる。
In modern society, artificial elements can be seen everywhere in our lives.
Using 'shakai dewa', 'yōso', 'seikatsu no itaru tokoro ni'.
人工知能は、人間の知能を模倣しようとしている。
Artificial intelligence is trying to imitate human intelligence.
Using the compound noun 'jinkō chinō' and the verb 'mohō shiyō to shite iru'.
人工的な着色料は健康に影響を与える可能性がある。
Artificial coloring may affect health.
Expressing possibility with 'kanōsei ga aru'.
彼は人工的な笑顔で、本当の感情を隠していた。
He hid his true feelings with an artificial smile.
Using 'de' to indicate the means or tool.
その映画は人工的な特殊効果を多用していた。
That movie used a lot of artificial special effects.
Using 'o tayō shite ita' for 'used a lot of'.
人工的な島を建設することは、環境に大きな影響を与える。
Constructing artificial islands has a significant impact on the environment.
Gerund form of verb as subject + 'ni okonawareru' (impact on).
人工的な甘味料は、カロリーを抑えるのに役立つ。
Artificial sweeteners help in reducing calories.
Using 'no ni yaku datsu' for 'help in doing something'.
この音楽は人工的な音で満ちている。
This music is filled with artificial sounds.
Using 'de michite iru' for 'filled with'.
近年、人工的な知能の開発は目覚ましい進歩を遂げている。
In recent years, the development of artificial intelligence has achieved remarkable progress.
Using 'mezamashii shinpo o toge te iru' for 'achieved remarkable progress'.
人工的な環境下で育った植物は、本来の風味を失うことがある。
Plants grown in artificial environments may lose their original flavor.
Using 'ka de sodatta' (grown in) and 'ushinau koto ga aru' (may lose).
人工的な素材の利用は、持続可能性の観点から議論されている。
The use of artificial materials is being debated from the perspective of sustainability.
Using 'no riyō wa', 'no kanten kara giron sarete iru'.
彼の人工的な感情表現は、多くの人々を困惑させた。
His artificial emotional expressions confused many people.
Using 'hyōgen wa ... o konwakusa seta' for 'expressions confused'.
人工的な光に頼る都市では、夜空の星が見えにくくなる。
In cities that rely on artificial light, stars in the night sky become difficult to see.
Using 'ni tayoru' (rely on) and 'mieni kunaru' (become difficult to see).
人工透析は、腎臓の機能が低下した患者にとって不可欠な治療法である。
Artificial dialysis is an indispensable treatment for patients with decreased kidney function.
Using 'no kinō ga teika shita' (kidney function has decreased) and 'fukaketsu na chiryōhō' (indispensable treatment).
人工的な味付けは、本来の食材の味を覆い隠してしまうことがある。
Artificial flavoring can sometimes cover up the taste of the original ingredients.
Using 'wa ... o ōikakushi te shimau koto ga aru' (can sometimes cover up).
人工的な環境は、生物多様性を脅かす可能性がある。
Artificial environments can threaten biodiversity.
Using 'wa ... o obiyakasu kanōsei ga aru' (can threaten).
現代の製造業においては、人工的な素材の活用が不可欠となっている。
In modern manufacturing, the utilization of artificial materials has become indispensable.
Using 'ni oite wa', 'no katsuyō ga fukaketsu to natte iru'.
人工的な知能が人間の創造性を凌駕する日は近いのかもしれない。
The day when artificial intelligence surpasses human creativity may be near.
Using 'ga ... o ryōga suru hi wa chikai no kamoshirenai'.
人工的な環境への過度な依存は、人間の適応能力を低下させる懸念がある。
There is a concern that excessive dependence on artificial environments may reduce human adaptability.
Using 'e no kado na izon wa', 'nōryoku o teika sa seru kenen ga aru'.
彼の人工的な誠実さは、巧妙に偽装されていたが、鋭い観察眼には見破られた。
His artificial sincerity was skillfully disguised, but it was seen through by a sharp observer.
Using 'kōmyō ni gisō sarete ita ga', 'surudoi kansatsugan ni wa miyaburareta'.
都市計画において、人工的な緑地を効果的に配置することは、住民のウェルビーイングに寄与する。
In urban planning, effectively placing artificial green spaces contributes to the well-being of residents.
Using 'ni oite', 'o kōkateki ni haichi suru koto wa', 'ni kiyo suru'.
人工的な味覚調整剤の使用は、食文化の多様性を損なうという批判もある。
There is also criticism that the use of artificial flavor enhancers damages the diversity of food culture.
Using 'no shiyō wa', 'o sokonau to iu hihan mo aru'.
人工的な光害は、夜行性動物の生態系に深刻な影響を及ぼしている。
Artificial light pollution is having a serious impact on the ecosystem of nocturnal animals.
Using 'wa ... no seitaikei ni shinkoku na eikyō o oyobi te iru'.
人工的な環境下での人間の精神的健康への影響については、さらなる研究が必要である。
Further research is needed regarding the impact of artificial environments on human mental health.
Using 'ni tsuite wa', 'ni taisuru eikyō', 'ni tsuite wa sarunaru kenkyū ga hitsuyō de aru'.
人工的な進化の概念は、生物学と哲学の境界領域に位置づけられる。
The concept of artificial evolution is situated at the intersection of biology and philosophy.
Using 'no gainen wa', 'no kyōkai ryōiki ni ichizuke rareru'.
技術的特異点を超えた人工知能は、我々の理解の範疇を超える存在となるだろう。
Artificial intelligence that has surpassed the technological singularity will become an entity beyond our comprehension.
Using 'o koeta', 'wa ... no hangai o koeru sonzai to naru darō'.
人工的な環境への没入が、現実世界との乖離を深めるという見解もある。
There is also a view that immersion in artificial environments deepens the divergence from the real world.
Using 'e no botsunyū ga', 'to no kairi o fukameru to iu kenkai mo aru'.
彼の人工的なカリスマ性は、大衆を扇動する上で極めて有効であった。
His artificial charisma was extremely effective in inciting the masses.
Using 'wa ... o sen dō suru ue de kiwamete yūkō de atta'.
都市景観における人工的な要素と自然との調和は、持続可能な都市開発の鍵となる。
The harmony between artificial elements and nature in the urban landscape is key to sustainable urban development.
Using 'ni okeru ... to ... tono chōwa wa', 'ni kagi to naru'.
人工的な味覚覚醒剤は、食の体験を画一化させ、本来の風味を希薄にする。
Artificial taste enhancers standardize the food experience and dilute the original flavor.
Using 'wa ... o kakuitsu ka sa se', 'o kibaku ni suru'.
人工的な光害の蔓延は、天文学的観測の精度を著しく低下させる。
The proliferation of artificial light pollution significantly reduces the accuracy of astronomical observations.
Using 'no man'en wa', 'no seido o ichijirushiku teika sa seru'.
人工的な環境下で進化を遂げた生命体の潜在的可能性は、未だ計り知れない。
The potential of life forms that have evolved under artificial environments is still immeasurable.
Using 'de shinka o toge ta seitaigai no', 'wa imada hakari shirenai'.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— Artificial things; man-made objects or phenomena.
この店には<strong>人工的なもの</strong>がたくさん売っている。 (Kono mise ni wa jinkōteki na mono ga takusan utte iru.) Many artificial things are sold in this shop.
— Artificial ~ and natural ~; used for direct comparison.
<strong>人工的な</strong>花と<strong>自然な</strong>花では、見た目が違う。 (Jinkōteki na hana to shizen na hana de wa, mitame ga chigau.) Artificial flowers and natural flowers look different.
— There are many artificial ~s.
最近の食品は<strong>人工的な</strong>添加物<strong>が多い</strong>。 (Saikin no shokuhin wa jinkōteki na tenkabutsu ga ōi.) Recent foods contain many artificial additives.
— Is not artificial; is natural.
これは<strong>人工的な</strong>ものでは<strong>ありません</strong>。 (Kore wa jinkōteki na mono dewa arimasen.) This is not an artificial thing.
— Looks artificial; seems man-made.
その絵は少し<strong>人工的に見えます</strong>。 (Sono e wa sukoshi jinkōteki ni miemasu.) That painting looks a bit artificial.
— Made from artificial ~.
この服は<strong>人工的な</strong>ポリエステル<strong>で作られた</strong>。 (Kono fuku wa jinkōteki na poriesuteru de tsukurareta.) This clothing was made from artificial polyester.
— To rely on artificial ~.
現代人は<strong>人工的な</strong>光<strong>に頼って</strong>生活している。 (Gendaijin wa jinkōteki na hikari ni tayotte seikatsu shite iru.) Modern people live relying on artificial light.
— To avoid artificial ~.
健康のために<strong>人工的な</strong>添加物<strong>を避ける</strong>ようにしている。 (Kenkō no tame ni jinkōteki na tenkabutsu o sakeru yō ni shite iru.) I try to avoid artificial additives for my health.
— Is filled with artificial ~.
その部屋は<strong>人工的な</strong>香りで<strong>満ちていた</strong>。 (Sono heya wa jinkōteki na kaori de michite ita.) That room was filled with artificial fragrance.
— To imitate artificial ~.
AIは人間の知能を<strong>人工的に模倣</strong>しようとしている。 (AI wa ningen no chinō o jinkōteki ni mohō shiyō to shite iru.) AI is trying to artificially imitate human intelligence.
Souvent confondu avec
While both relate to man-made things, 合成の specifically implies synthesis or chemical combination, often used for materials like plastics or fibers. 人工的な is broader and can apply to anything not natural.
不自然な means 'unnatural' or 'awkward,' often describing behavior or expressions that feel forced. 人工的な focuses more on the origin (man-made) rather than the quality of being awkward.
模造の means 'imitation' or 'fake,' implying something made to look like something else. 人工的な simply means 'man-made' and doesn't necessarily imply imitation.
Expressions idiomatiques
— To force a smile; to put on a fake smile. It implies insincerity or trying to hide true feelings.
彼は会議で人工的な笑顔を作ったが、本当は不満だった。 (Kare wa kaigi de jinkōteki na egao o tsukutta ga, hontō wa fuman datta.) He put on an artificial smile at the meeting, but he was actually dissatisfied.
Neutral— To get used to an artificial environment; to adapt to a man-made or sterile setting.
都市生活者は人工的な環境に慣れている。 (Toshi seikatsusha wa jinkōteki na kankyō ni narete iru.) City dwellers are accustomed to artificial environments.
Neutral— To rely on artificial flavors; often used critically when discussing processed foods that lack natural taste.
多くの加工食品は人工的な味に頼っている。 (Ōku no kakō shokuhin wa jinkōteki na aji ni tayotte iru.) Many processed foods rely on artificial flavors.
Neutral/Critical— To be exposed to artificial light; often used in discussions about health and sleep patterns affected by modern lighting.
夜遅くまで人工的な光を浴びると、睡眠に影響が出る。 (Yoru oso made jinkōteki na hikari o abiru to, suimin ni eikyō ga deru.) Being exposed to artificial light late at night affects sleep.
Neutral— To be made of artificial materials; a straightforward description of an object's composition.
このバッグは人工的な素材でできているから、水に濡れても大丈夫だ。 (Kono baggu wa jinkōteki na sozai de dekite iru kara, mizu ni nurete mo daijōbu da.) This bag is made of artificial materials, so it's okay even if it gets wet.
Neutral— To sound artificial; to have a voice that seems synthetic or not human.
そのロボットの話し方は、人工的な声に聞こえた。 (Sono robotto no hanashikata wa, jinkōteki na koe ni kikoeta.) The robot's way of speaking sounded like an artificial voice.
Neutral— To feign artificial kindness; to pretend to be kind or gentle in a way that is not genuine.
彼は人工的な優しさを装って、人々を騙していた。 (Kare wa jinkōteki na yasashisa o yosotte, hitobito o damashite ita.) He deceived people by feigning artificial kindness.
Negative— To recreate an artificial environment; often used in zoos, laboratories, or virtual reality.
研究室では、砂漠の人工的な環境を再現した。 (Kenkyūshitsu de wa, sabaku no jinkōteki na kankyō o saigen shita.) In the laboratory, an artificial desert environment was recreated.
Neutral/Technical— To rely on artificial sweeteners; implies a dependency or preference for non-natural sweetness.
健康志向の人は、人工的な甘味料に頼ることを避ける傾向がある。 (Kenkō shikō no hito wa, jinkōteki na kanmiryō ni tayoru koto o sakeru keikō ga aru.) Health-conscious people tend to avoid relying on artificial sweeteners.
Neutral/Critical— Artificial abundance; a state of seeming prosperity or richness that is manufactured or not genuine.
そのテーマパークは人工的な豊かさを演出している。 (Sono tēma pāku wa jinkōteki na yutakasa o enshutsu shite iru.) That theme park creates an atmosphere of artificial abundance.
Neutral/CriticalFacile à confondre
It's the direct opposite, often used in contrast.
While <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的な</mark> means 'man-made' or 'artificial,' <span class='font-mono'>自然な</span> means 'natural' or 'organic.' They are antonyms used to differentiate origins.
<strong>人工的な</strong>花は枯れないが、<strong>自然な</strong>花は枯れる。(Jinkōteki na hana wa karenai ga, shizen na hana wa kareru.) - Artificial flowers don't wither, but natural flowers do.
Both refer to things not found in nature.
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的な</mark> is a broad term for anything made by humans. <span class='font-mono'>合成の</span> specifically refers to things that are synthesized or chemically combined, often materials.
<strong>人工的な</strong>素材はたくさんあるが、<strong>合成繊維</strong>はその一つだ。(Jinkōteki na sozai wa takusan aru ga, gōsei sen'i wa sono hitotsu da.) - There are many artificial materials, and synthetic fibers are one of them.
Both can imply something is not the 'real' thing.
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的な</mark> means 'man-made.' <span class='font-mono'>模造の</span> means 'imitation' or 'fake,' suggesting it's made to look like something else.
<strong>人工的な</strong>宝石は本物ではないが、<strong>模造の</strong>宝石は本物を真似ている。(Jinkōteki na hōseki wa honmono dewa nai ga, mozō no hōseki wa honmono o manete iru.) - Artificial gems are not real, but imitation gems mimic real ones.
Very similar meaning and Kanji.
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的な</mark> (jinkōteki na) is more common in everyday language and broader. <span class='font-mono'>人為的な</span> (jin'i-teki na) is more formal and often used in scientific or technical contexts, emphasizing human intervention or manipulation in a process.
<strong>人工的な</strong>環境は、<strong>人為的な</strong>要因によって影響される。(Jinkōteki na kankyō wa, jin'i-teki na yōin ni yotte eikyō sareru.) - Artificial environments are influenced by man-made factors.
Many artificial things are electronic.
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的な</mark> means 'man-made' in general. <span class='font-mono'>電子的</span> specifically means 'electronic,' referring to things that operate using electronics.
<strong>人工的な</strong>音楽は、<strong>電子的</strong>な音を使うことがある。(Jinkōteki na ongaku wa, denshi-teki na oto o tsukau koto ga aru.) - Artificial music sometimes uses electronic sounds.
Structures de phrases
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的</mark> + Noun
これは<strong>人工的な</strong>花です。(Kore wa jinkōteki na hana desu.)
Noun + は + <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的</mark> + です
この味は<strong>人工的です</strong>。(Kono aji wa jinkōteki desu.)
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的</mark> + な + Noun + を使う
<strong>人工的な</strong>素材<strong>を使う</strong>。(Jinkōteki na sozai o tsukau.)
Noun + は + <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的</mark> + である
その技術は<strong>人工的である</strong>。(Sono gijutsu wa jinkōteki de aru.)
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的</mark> + に + Verb
<strong>人工的に</strong>調合された。(Jinkōteki ni chōgō sareta.)
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的</mark> + な + Noun + と + 自然な + Noun + の比較
<strong>人工的な</strong>光と<strong>自然な</strong>光の比較。(Jinkōteki na hikari to shizen na hikari no hikaku.)
Noun + は、<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的</mark> + な + Noun + の + 例
AIは<strong>人工的な</strong>知能の例だ。(AI wa jinkōteki na chinō no rei da.)
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的</mark> + な + Noun + が + 与える + 影響
<strong>人工的な</strong>環境が与える影響。(Jinkōteki na kankyō ga ataeru eikyō.)
Famille de mots
Noms
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
High
-
Omitting the 'na' particle before a noun.
→
<strong>人工的な</strong>素材
Incorrect: 人工素材 (jinkō sozai). <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的な</mark> is a na-adjective and requires <span class='font-mono'>な</span> when modifying a noun.
-
Using the adverbial form to modify a noun.
→
<strong>人工的な</strong>光
Incorrect: 人工的に光 (jinkōteki ni hikari). The adverb <span class='font-mono'>人工的に</span> modifies verbs, not nouns. The adjective form <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的な</mark> is needed here.
-
Confusing with 'imitation' (模造の - mozō no).
→
<strong>人工的な</strong>宝石 (jinkōteki na hōseki)
Incorrect: 模造の宝石 (mozō no hōseki). While both might not be real, <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的な</mark> means 'man-made,' whereas <span class='font-mono'>模造の</span> means 'imitation' or 'fake,' specifically made to resemble something else.
-
Using it for people's inherent qualities.
→
<strong>不自然な</strong>笑顔 (fushizen na egao)
Incorrect: 人工的な笑顔 (jinkōteki na egao) when implying awkwardness. While <span class='font-mono'>人工的な笑顔</span> can mean a forced smile, <span class='font-mono'>不自然な</span> is better for 'unnatural' or 'awkward.' <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的な</mark> itself isn't typically used to describe a person's innate characteristics.
-
Not recognizing the adverbial usage.
→
<strong>人工的に</strong>作られた (jinkōteki ni tsukurareta)
Incorrect: 人工的な作られた (jinkōteki na tsukurareta). The adverbial form <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的に</mark> is used to modify verbs like 'made' (<span class='font-mono'>作られた</span>).
Astuces
Master the Na-Adjective
Remember that 人工的な is a 'na'-adjective. This means you MUST use the particle な when it comes before a noun. Forgetting this is a very common mistake. Always check if 人工的な is followed by a noun – if so, add な.
Contrast with Nature
The core meaning of 人工的な lies in its opposition to 'natural' (自然な - shizen na). When you encounter or use 人工的な, actively think about what natural counterpart it's being compared to. This contrast will significantly help in solidifying the meaning.
Context is King
While 人工的な is often neutral, it can carry negative connotations of being fake or insincere, especially when describing emotions or relationships. Conversely, it can be neutral or even positive when describing technological advancements or practical solutions. Always pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall topic.
Break Down the Kanji
Understand the meaning of the kanji: 人 (person) + 工 (work/labor) = 人工 (man-made/human labor). The suffix 的 (-teki) turns it into an adjective. Visualizing a 'person working' to create something helps remember the origin.
Focus on Vowel Lengths
Pay attention to the long 'o' sound in 'jinkō' (人工). Also, ensure the 'te-ki' part is clear, with a slight palatalization. Practice saying it aloud: jin-koh-teh-kee nah.
Use in Daily Descriptions
Try describing everyday objects around you. Is your phone 人工的な? Is the food you're eating 人工的な flavor? This active application will quickly build your confidence.
Learn Related Compounds
Many common Japanese words start with 人工 (jinkō). Learning words like 人工知能 (AI), 人工芝 (artificial turf), and 人工甘味料 (artificial sweetener) will enrich your understanding and usage of 人工的な.
Adverbial Form
Don't forget the adverbial form 人工的に (jinkōteki ni), meaning 'artificially.' Use it to describe how something is done, not what it is. For example, 人工的に作られた (artificially made).
Distinguish from Imitation
While 人工的な means 'man-made,' 模造の (mozō no) means 'imitation' or 'fake.' A 模造品 is specifically made to look like something else, whereas 人工的な just means it wasn't found in nature.
Cultural Nuance
In Japan, where nature is highly valued, 人工的な can sometimes carry a subtle implication of being less authentic than natural things. Be aware of this cultural backdrop when interpreting or using the word.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a robot (人工 - jinkō) making a flower (花 - hana) with its hands. The flower is therefore 'robot-made' or 'artificial'. The 'teki na' part makes it an adjective describing the flower.
Association visuelle
Picture a stark, sterile laboratory with a scientist holding a glowing, synthesized substance in a beaker. This represents the 'artificial' creation. Contrast this with a lush green forest representing 'natural'.
Word Web
Défi
Think of five things you see or use daily. For each, decide if it is 人工的な (artificial) or 自然な (natural). Write a simple sentence in Japanese for each, using the adjective.
Origine du mot
The word is composed of two parts: 人工 (jinkō) and the adjectival suffix 的 (teki). 人工 itself is a Sino-Japanese word derived from Chinese characters: 人 (jin - person) and 工 (kō - work, labor, skill). Thus, 人工 literally means 'person's work' or 'human labor'.
Sens originel : The original meaning of 人工 was 'human labor' or 'manpower'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'man-made' or 'artificial'.
Sino-Japanese (Kanji-based vocabulary)Contexte culturel
While 人工的な is generally a neutral descriptive term, be mindful of contexts where it might imply fakeness or insincerity, such as describing emotions or relationships. In such cases, a more direct description of the lack of genuineness might be preferred.
In English-speaking cultures, 'artificial' can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being fake or insincere, but it's also used neutrally to describe manufactured items like 'artificial sweeteners' or 'artificial intelligence'. The Japanese usage aligns closely with this, with context determining the exact nuance.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Food and Drink
- 人工的な味 (jinkōteki na aji)
- 人工甘味料 (jinkō kanmiryō)
- 人工香料 (jinkō kōryō)
- 添加物 (tenkabutsu - additives)
Technology and Science
- 人工知能 (jinkō chinō)
- 人工的素材 (jinkōteki sozai)
- 人工物 (jinkōbutsu)
- 開発 (kaihatsu - development)
Environment and Urban Planning
- 人工的な光 (jinkōteki na hikari)
- 人工芝 (jinkō shiba)
- 人工島 (jinkō tō)
- 緑地 (ryokuchi - green space)
Health and Medicine
- 人工呼吸 (jinkō kokyū)
- 人工透析 (jinkō tōseki)
- 人工歯 (jinkō ha)
- 治療法 (chiryōhō - treatment method)
Social Interactions and Appearance
- 人工的な笑顔 (jinkōteki na egao)
- 人工的な香り (jinkōteki na kaori)
- 不自然な (fushizen na - unnatural)
- 偽物 (nisemono - fake)
Amorces de conversation
"最近、人工的なものが増えていると思いませんか？例えば、人工甘味料とか。"
"人工知能がもっと進化したら、私たちの生活はどう変わると思いますか？"
"公園の人工的な滝って、なんだか落ち着かない時がありますよね。"
"食品の表示で「人工的な～不使用」って書いてあると、安心しますか？"
"人工的な光の下でずっといると、気分が悪くなることってありませんか？"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe a place you've visited that felt overwhelmingly artificial. What elements made it feel that way, and how did it affect you?
Reflect on a time you used or encountered an artificial product. Was it helpful, necessary, or did you wish for a natural alternative? Explain why.
Consider the phrase 'artificial intelligence.' What are your hopes and fears regarding its future development and integration into society?
Think about the difference between artificial beauty (like makeup or artificial flowers) and natural beauty. Which do you prefer and why?
Write about a situation where someone's emotions or actions seemed artificial. How did you perceive it, and what was the impact?
Questions fréquentes
10 questions人工的な (jinkōteki na) means 'artificial' or 'man-made,' describing things created by humans. 自然な (shizen na) means 'natural,' describing things that occur in nature without human intervention. They are direct antonyms. For example, 人工的な花 (artificial flower) vs. 自然な花 (natural flower).
Use 人工的な when you want to emphasize that something was made by humans or technology, rather than occurring naturally. This applies to materials (artificial turf), processes (artificial sweeteners), environments (artificial light), and concepts (artificial intelligence).
Not necessarily. While it can imply fakeness or insincerity in contexts like 'artificial smile' (人工的な笑顔), it's often a neutral descriptor for manufactured items or technologies like 'artificial intelligence' (人工知能). Context is key to understanding the nuance.
人工的な is a 'na'-adjective. This means it needs the particle な when it directly modifies a noun (e.g., 人工的な素材 - artificial material). When used as a predicate, the な is dropped (e.g., この素材は人工的です - This material is artificial).
Yes, absolutely. It's commonly used for abstract concepts like 人工知能 (artificial intelligence), 人工的な感情 (artificial emotions), or 人工的な環境 (artificial environments).
Common examples include 人工知能 (jinkō chinō - AI), 人工芝 (jinkō shiba - artificial turf), 人工呼吸 (jinkō kokyū - artificial respiration), and 人工甘味料 (jinkō kanmiryō - artificial sweetener). 人工的な is the adjectival form derived from these.
The pronunciation is roughly /d͡ʑiŋko̞ːte̞kʲi na/. Key points are the 'ji' sound at the beginning, the long 'o' sound in 'jinkō', and the slight glide in 'teki'. Stress is on 'ko' and 'te'.
Yes, similar words include 合成の (gōsei no - synthetic), 模造の (mozō no - imitation), and 不自然な (fushizen na - unnatural). The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
The adverbial form is 人工的に (jinkōteki ni), meaning 'artificially.' It's used to describe how an action is performed, like 人工的に作られた (artificially made).
It's generally not used to describe people directly in terms of their being 'man-made.' However, it can describe artificial aspects related to people, such as 人工的な笑顔 (artificial smile) or 人工的な髪 (artificial hair).
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Summary
The adjective <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>人工的な</mark> (jinkōteki na) signifies something created by human effort or technology, distinguishing it from natural occurrences. It is broadly applicable, from tangible items like artificial turf to abstract concepts like artificial intelligence, and is frequently used to describe manufactured goods, synthetic materials, and engineered environments.
- Artificial, man-made, produced by humans.
- Used for objects, materials, environments, and concepts not found in nature.
- Contrasts with 'natural' (自然な - shizen na).
- Common in discussions about technology, food, and manufacturing.
Master the Na-Adjective
Remember that 人工的な is a 'na'-adjective. This means you MUST use the particle な when it comes before a noun. Forgetting this is a very common mistake. Always check if 人工的な is followed by a noun – if so, add な.
Contrast with Nature
The core meaning of 人工的な lies in its opposition to 'natural' (自然な - shizen na). When you encounter or use 人工的な, actively think about what natural counterpart it's being compared to. This contrast will significantly help in solidifying the meaning.
Context is King
While 人工的な is often neutral, it can carry negative connotations of being fake or insincere, especially when describing emotions or relationships. Conversely, it can be neutral or even positive when describing technological advancements or practical solutions. Always pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall topic.
Break Down the Kanji
Understand the meaning of the kanji: 人 (person) + 工 (work/labor) = 人工 (man-made/human labor). The suffix 的 (-teki) turns it into an adjective. Visualizing a 'person working' to create something helps remember the origin.
Exemple
その花はとても美しいが、人工的なものだ。
Contenu associé
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