電子 en 30 secondes
- Means 'electron' in science.
- Acts like the 'e-' prefix in English.
- Used in words like microwave (電子レンジ).
- Used for digital things like e-money (電子マネー).
The Japanese word 電子 (denshi) is a fundamental term that bridges the gap between pure science and everyday modern technology. At its core, the word is composed of two kanji: 電 (den), meaning 'electricity' or 'electric', and 子 (shi), meaning 'child' or, in scientific contexts, a 'small particle'. When combined, the literal translation is 'electric particle', which perfectly describes an 'electron' in physics and chemistry. However, in everyday Japanese, especially from the late 20th century onwards, 電子 has taken on a much broader and more practical meaning. It is widely used as a prefix to indicate that something is 'electronic' or 'digital', serving the exact same function as the 'e-' prefix in English (like in e-mail or e-commerce). Understanding this dual nature is crucial for learners of Japanese, as you will encounter the word in textbooks discussing atomic structures just as often as you will see it on signs for electronic payments at a local convenience store.
物理の授業で電子の動きについて学んだ。(We learned about the movement of electrons in physics class.)
When used in a scientific context, 電子 refers strictly to the subatomic particle. You will find it in terms like 電子顕微鏡 (denshi kenbikyo - electron microscope) or 電子工学 (denshi kogaku - electronics/electronic engineering). This usage is highly specific and usually reserved for academic, medical, or industrial environments. The kanji 子 (shi) is frequently used in science to denote particles, such as in 原子 (genshi - atom) or 分子 (bunshi - molecule). Therefore, 電子 fits perfectly into this systematic scientific nomenclature. For advanced learners, recognizing this pattern makes it easier to deduce the meanings of complex scientific terms.
- Scientific Usage
- Refers to the subatomic particle with a negative electric charge.
この電子顕微鏡は非常に高価です。(This electron microscope is very expensive.)
On the other hand, the everyday usage of 電子 is ubiquitous in modern Japan. As society transitioned from analog to digital, 電子 became the go-to prefix to describe digital versions of traditional items. The most common example is 電子メール (denshi meru - electronic mail), though it is often shortened to just メール (meru) today. Another extremely common term is 電子レンジ (denshi renji - microwave oven), which literally translates to 'electronic range'. This term is so ingrained in daily life that most people do not even think about the word 'electron' when they use it. Similarly, 電子辞書 (denshi jisho - electronic dictionary) was a staple for Japanese students before smartphones became widespread.
- Everyday Usage
- Acts as a prefix meaning 'electronic' or 'digital' (e.g., e-money, e-book).
コンビニで電子マネーを使って支払いをしました。(I paid using electronic money at the convenience store.)
In recent years, the push for digitalization in Japan has introduced even more 電子 vocabulary. You will frequently hear about 電子マネー (denshi mane - e-money) like Suica or PayPay, which have revolutionized how people pay for transportation and goods. 電子書籍 (denshi shoseki - e-books) have also become incredibly popular, changing the landscape of publishing and reading. In business and government, terms like 電子署名 (denshi shomei - electronic signature) and 電子申請 (denshi shinsei - electronic application) are critical for navigating modern administrative processes. These terms highlight how 電子 is not just a scientific concept, but a key descriptor of modern life.
- Business Context
- Used for digital transformation terms like e-signatures and e-commerce.
契約書に電子署名をお願いします。(Please provide an electronic signature on the contract.)
It is also important to distinguish 電子 from its close relative, 電気 (denki). While 電気 refers to electricity as a power source or general electric phenomena (like electric lights or the power bill), 電子 implies a level of computational, digital, or micro-level complexity. For instance, an electric kettle is 電気ケトル (denki ketoru) because it simply uses electricity to generate heat. However, a device that processes information or uses advanced circuitry is more likely to use the 電子 prefix. Understanding this subtle distinction will greatly improve your natural Japanese phrasing and help you sound more like a native speaker.
最近は電子書籍を読む人が増えています。(Recently, the number of people reading e-books is increasing.)
Using 電子 correctly in Japanese largely depends on understanding its function as a noun that frequently acts as a prefix. Unlike adjectives that change form, 電子 is attached directly to other nouns to create compound words. This makes it incredibly versatile and relatively easy to use once you know the base vocabulary. The most common structure you will encounter is simply 電子 + Noun. For example, taking the word for book, 書籍 (shoseki), and adding 電子 gives you 電子書籍 (denshi shoseki - e-book). This pattern is highly productive and is constantly used to coin new terms as technology evolves. It is the exact equivalent of adding 'e-' to an English word.
この店では電子マネーが使えますか？ (Can I use e-money at this store?)
When using 電子 in a sentence, it functions grammatically as part of a larger noun phrase. You do not need to use the particle の (no) between 電子 and the noun it modifies if they form an established compound word. For instance, you say 電子辞書 (denshi jisho) rather than 電子の辞書 (denshi no jisho). However, if you are describing something that literally belongs to or is composed of electrons in a scientific sense, you might use the particle の. For example, 電子の質量 (denshi no shitsuryo - the mass of an electron). This distinction is vital: compound words drop the 'no', while descriptive phrases retain it.
- Compound Nouns
- Attach directly without 'no': 電子機器 (denshi kiki - electronic devices).
飛行機の中では電子機器の電源を切ってください。(Please turn off the power of electronic devices inside the airplane.)
In daily conversation, you will often use 電子 in the context of transactions, communication, and household appliances. The word 電子レンジ (denshi renji - microwave) is so common that it is often abbreviated to just レンジ (renji). When asking someone to microwave food, you use the verb 'chin suru' (a colloquialism based on the sound the microwave makes) or 'atatameru' (to warm up), but the device itself is the denshi renji. For payments, asking 'Denshi mane de haraemasu ka?' (Can I pay with e-money?) is an essential phrase for tourists and residents alike, as Japan rapidly shifts towards cashless systems.
- Verbs with Denshi
- Denshi compounds are often the object of verbs like 使う (tsukau - use) or 読む (yomu - read).
お弁当を電子レンジで温めました。(I warmed up the bento in the microwave.)
In formal and business writing, 電子 is used to denote official digital processes. Words like 電子証明書 (denshi shomeisho - digital certificate) or 電子決済 (denshi kessai - electronic payment/settlement) are standard in corporate environments. When writing emails or official documents, using these terms correctly demonstrates a high level of professional Japanese. You might write, 'Denshi shomei nite go-henshin kudasai' (Please reply with an electronic signature). The tone here is formal and precise, showing that 電子 is not just casual slang but a respected component of professional terminology.
- Formal Usage
- Essential for business Japanese, especially regarding contracts and IT.
市役所の申請は電子化されています。(The city hall applications have been digitized/electronicized.)
Finally, when discussing science, 電子 is used as a standalone noun. You might say 'Denshi ga ido suru' (The electron moves). In these cases, it takes standard particles like が (ga) for the subject or を (o) for the object. It is important to pronounce it clearly as 'den-shi', with a slight emphasis on the first syllable. Mispronouncing it could lead to confusion with other words, though context usually makes it clear. Whether you are microwaving dinner, tapping your IC card at the station, or reading a physics textbook, knowing how to seamlessly integrate 電子 into your sentences is a major step toward fluency.
この物質は電子を放出しやすい。(This substance easily emits electrons.)
The word 電子 is deeply embedded in the fabric of modern Japanese society, and you will hear it in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from the most casual daily interactions to highly specialized professional and academic environments. One of the most frequent places you will encounter this word is in retail and transportation. Japan has seen a massive surge in cashless payments, and the term 電子マネー (denshi mane - e-money) is plastered across convenience stores, supermarkets, and train stations. Cashiers will frequently ask, 'O-shiharai wa denshi mane de yoroshii desu ka?' (Is it okay to pay with e-money?). Hearing and recognizing this phrase is absolutely essential for navigating daily life in Japan today.
駅の改札で電子マネーをチャージした。(I recharged my e-money at the station ticket gate.)
Another incredibly common domestic setting where 電子 is used is in the kitchen. The 電子レンジ (denshi renji - microwave) is a staple appliance in almost every Japanese home. You will hear family members or roommates saying, 'Kore, denshi renji de chin shite' (Microwave this). Interestingly, while the full term is denshi renji, the casual abbreviation 'renji' is more common in spoken Japanese, but the full term is always used in written instructions on food packaging or in appliance stores. If you buy a bento at a convenience store, the staff might ask if you want it warmed up, implicitly referring to the use of a denshi renji.
- In the Kitchen
- Used primarily in the word 電子レンジ (microwave oven).
このお弁当は電子レンジで温めてください。(Please warm this bento in the microwave.)
In the realm of media and entertainment, 電子 is frequently heard in the context of reading. 電子書籍 (denshi shoseki - e-books) and 電子コミック (denshi komikku - e-comics) have taken over the Japanese publishing market. Advertisements on trains and television constantly promote new platforms for reading denshi komikku. You might hear friends discussing whether they prefer physical books or e-books: 'Kami no hon to denshi shoseki, dotchi ga suki?' (Which do you prefer, paper books or e-books?). This is a very common conversation starter among young people and professionals who commute by train and prefer reading on their smartphones or tablets.
- Media Consumption
- Frequently used for e-books (電子書籍) and digital manga.
最近は漫画を電子コミックで読んでいます。(Lately, I read manga as e-comics.)
Moving into the professional and administrative spheres, 電子 takes on a more formal tone. In offices, you will hear about 電子化 (denshika - digitization), referring to the process of converting paper documents into digital formats. The Japanese government has been pushing heavily for administrative digitization, so news broadcasts frequently discuss 電子政府 (denshi seifu - e-government) or 電子申請 (denshi shinsei - electronic applications). If you work in Japan or deal with Japanese bureaucracy, you will inevitably have to navigate systems that require a 電子証明書 (denshi shomeisho - digital certificate). In these contexts, the word signifies modernization, efficiency, and official digital protocols.
- Government & Business
- Used to describe the transition from paper to digital systems (電子化).
会社の書類はすべて電子化されました。(All company documents have been digitized.)
Lastly, you will hear 電子 in its original, pure scientific context in educational and research settings. In high school physics or university laboratories, 電子 strictly means 'electron'. Professors will lecture on 電子の軌道 (denshi no kido - electron orbits) or 電子顕微鏡 (denshi kenbikyo - electron microscopes). While this usage is less common in everyday street conversation, it is the foundational meaning of the word. Documentaries on science and technology on channels like NHK will frequently use the term when discussing advancements in quantum computing or materials science. Thus, 電子 is a word that spans the entire spectrum of Japanese life, from heating up last night's dinner to exploring the fundamental building blocks of the universe.
科学者たちは電子の振る舞いを研究している。(Scientists are studying the behavior of electrons.)
When learning the word 電子, students often encounter a few specific stumbling blocks, primarily related to distinguishing it from similar words and understanding its exact nuances as a prefix. The most frequent and glaring mistake is confusing 電子 (denshi) with 電気 (denki). While both relate to electricity, their usage is distinctly different. 電気 refers to electricity as a raw power source or to simple electrical appliances. For example, a lightbulb is 電気 (denki), and an electric bill is 電気代 (denkidai). You cannot say 電子代 (denshidai) to mean electric bill; that would sound like a bill for subatomic particles! 電子 is used when referring to complex electronic devices, digital formats, or the electron itself. Using them interchangeably is a clear marker of a non-native speaker.
❌ 部屋の電子をつけて。(Turn on the electron of the room.)
⭕ 部屋の電気をつけて。(Turn on the electricity/light of the room.)
Another common mistake involves the overlap between 電子 and the loanword デジタル (dejitaru - digital). In many contexts, they mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably, such as 電子時計 (denshi dokei) and デジタル時計 (dejitaru dokei), both meaning digital clock. However, there are established collocations where only one is natural. For instance, e-money is almost exclusively called 電子マネー (denshi mane), not デジタルマネー (dejitaru mane). Conversely, a digital camera is always デジタルカメラ (dejitaru kamera) or デジカメ (dejikame), never 電子カメラ (denshi kamera). Learning these set phrases by heart is crucial, as guessing which prefix to use can lead to awkward-sounding Japanese.
- Denshi vs. Digital
- While similar, specific nouns strongly prefer one over the other (e.g., 電子マネー vs デジタルカメラ).
❌ 電子カメラで写真を撮る。(Take a picture with an electronic camera.)
⭕ デジタルカメラで写真を撮る。(Take a picture with a digital camera.)
Grammatically, learners sometimes make the mistake of inserting the particle の (no) where it doesn't belong. Because 電子 acts as a prefix in many modern terms, it binds directly to the following noun to create a single compound word. Saying 電子の辞書 (denshi no jisho) instead of 電子辞書 (denshi jisho) sounds overly literal, as if you are describing a dictionary made out of electrons, rather than an electronic dictionary. The 'no' particle should only be used when 電子 is acting as a standalone scientific noun possessing another noun, such as 電子の重さ (denshi no omosa - the weight of an electron). Recognizing when 電子 is a prefix versus a standalone noun is key to proper grammar.
- Particle 'No' Usage
- Do not use 'no' in established compound words like 電子レンジ.
❌ 電子のレンジで温める。(Warm it in the microwave of electrons.)
⭕ 電子レンジで温める。(Warm it in the microwave.)
Pronunciation can also be a minor hurdle. The word is pronounced 'den-shi', with a relatively flat pitch accent in standard Tokyo Japanese (heiban). Some learners accidentally stress the 'shi' too much, making it sound unnatural. Additionally, because the sound 'shi' is common in Japanese, poor articulation might make it sound like 'den-chi' (電池), which means battery. While context usually saves the day—saying you read a 'battery book' instead of an 'e-book' is obviously a mistake—clear pronunciation prevents momentary confusion. Practicing the difference between 電子 (denshi - electron/electronic) and 電池 (denchi - battery) is a good phonetic exercise.
- Pronunciation Pitfall
- Be careful not to confuse the pronunciation of 電子 (denshi) with 電池 (denchi - battery).
❌ 電池マネーで払います。(I will pay with battery money.)
⭕ 電子マネーで払います。(I will pay with e-money.)
Finally, a contextual mistake is overusing 電子 when a simpler word would suffice. For example, while 電子メール (denshi meru) is the technically correct term for email, almost everyone in Japan simply says メール (meru). Insisting on saying 'denshi meru' in casual conversation sounds overly formal, stiff, or outdated, much like saying 'electronic mail' instead of 'email' in English. Understanding the register and the common abbreviations used by native speakers will help you sound much more fluent and socially aware. Always pay attention to how native speakers abbreviate these technical terms in daily life.
❌ 友達に電子メールを送った。(I sent an electronic mail to my friend.)
⭕ 友達にメールを送った。(I sent an email to my friend.)
To truly master the word 電子, it is incredibly helpful to understand its relationship with similar words in the Japanese vocabulary. The most immediate comparison is with the loanword デジタル (dejitaru), which means 'digital'. In many modern contexts, 電子 and デジタル serve the exact same purpose: describing technology that processes information using binary code rather than analog signals. For example, the shift from paper to screens is often described using both terms. However, 電子 is a native Sino-Japanese word (kango), which gives it a slightly more formal, official, or academic nuance compared to the katakana word デジタル. Government documents will almost always prefer 電子化 (denshika - digitization) over デジタル化 (dejitaruka), although the latter is becoming more common in media.
政府は行政の電子化を進めている。(The government is advancing the digitization of administration.)
Another closely related word is 電気 (denki), meaning 'electricity' or 'electric'. As discussed in the common mistakes section, 電気 is the broader term for the physical phenomenon of electrical power. Every 電子 (electronic) device uses 電気 (electricity) to run, but not every 電気 device is 電子. A simple desk lamp is an 電気スタンド (denki sutando), because it merely uses power to create light. A computer, however, is an 電子機器 (denshi kiki - electronic device) because it manipulates electrons to process complex information. Understanding this hierarchy—that 電子 represents a more advanced, informational application of 電気—is crucial for accurate vocabulary usage.
- 電気 (Denki)
- Means electricity or simple electric power. The foundation upon which 電子 operates.
停電で電気が消えた。(The electricity went out due to a power outage.)
We must also consider words that share the same kanji, such as 電波 (denpa - radio wave) and 電脳 (denno - cyber/computer). 電波 refers to electromagnetic waves used for communication, like TV signals or Wi-Fi. If your phone has no signal, you say 'Denpa ga nai' (There is no signal). It is related to 電子 in the realm of physics and telecommunications but refers to the wave rather than the particle. 電脳 is a slightly older or more sci-fi term for computer or cybernetics (literally 'electric brain'). While you won't hear 電脳 in daily conversation as much as 電子, it frequently appears in anime, manga, and cyberpunk literature, highlighting the creative ways the kanji 電 (den) is utilized.
- 電波 (Denpa)
- Radio waves or signal. Used when talking about mobile phone reception.
ここは山の中なので電波が届かない。(Because we are in the mountains here, the radio waves/signal doesn't reach.)
In the scientific realm, 電子 (electron) sits alongside other subatomic particles like 陽子 (yoshi - proton) and 中性子 (chuseishi - neutron). All of these share the suffix 子 (shi), meaning particle. Together, they make up an 原子 (genshi - atom). If you are studying Japanese for academic purposes, memorizing this family of words is highly efficient. The logical structure of kanji makes it easy to guess the meaning of these terms once you know the base components. 電子 is the negative particle, 陽子 (yang/positive particle) is the proton, and 中性子 (neutral particle) is the neutron. This systematic naming is one of the beautiful aspects of scientific Japanese.
- Scientific Relatives
- 原子 (atom), 陽子 (proton), 中性子 (neutron).
原子は陽子、中性子、そして電子から構成されている。(An atom is composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.)
Lastly, the word IT (aitee - Information Technology) is often used in similar contexts to 電子 when discussing business modernization. A company might promote IT化 (aitee-ka - IT integration) or 電子化 (denshika - digitization). While IT化 implies a broader adoption of computer systems and networks, 電子化 specifically focuses on converting physical things (like paper documents or cash) into digital formats. Both are essential buzzwords in modern Japanese corporate environments. By understanding the subtle differences between 電子, デジタル, 電気, and IT, you can choose the most precise and natural-sounding word for any situation, greatly enhancing your Japanese proficiency.
ペーパーレス化のために書類を電子データとして保存する。(To go paperless, we save documents as electronic data.)
How Formal Is It?
Niveau de difficulté
Grammaire à connaître
Noun + Noun compounds (no particle)
Suffix 化 (-ization)
Particle で (method/tool)
Comparison (より〜の方が)
Potential form (使える)
Exemples par niveau
電子レンジはどこですか？
Where is the microwave?
電子レンジ (denshi renji) is treated as a single noun meaning microwave.
電子マネーで払います。
I will pay with e-money.
で (de) indicates the method or tool used for the action (paying).
電子辞書を使います。
I use an electronic dictionary.
を (o) marks 電子辞書 as the direct object of the verb 使います (use).
これは電子ピアノです。
This is an electronic piano.
A simple A is B sentence structure: これ (this) は (topic) 電子ピアノ (e-piano) です (is).
電子メールを送りました。
I sent an email.
送りました (okurimashita) is the past polite form of the verb 送る (to send).
電子レンジで温めます。
I will warm it up in the microwave.
温めます (atatamemasu) means to warm up or heat something.
電子マネーが使えますか？
Can I use e-money?
使えます (tsukaemasu) is the potential form of 使う (to use), meaning 'can use'.
新しい電子辞書が欲しいです。
I want a new electronic dictionary.
欲しい (hoshii) is an i-adjective meaning 'want', taking the particle が (ga).
飛行機では電子機器の電源を切ってください。
Please turn off electronic devices on the airplane.
電子機器 (denshi kiki) means electronic devices. 電源を切る means to turn off the power.
最近は電子書籍をよく読みます。
Lately, I read e-books often.
電子書籍 (denshi shoseki) is the formal word for e-books.
このお店は電子決済のみです。
This store is electronic payment only.
のみ (nomi) means 'only'. 電子決済 (denshi kessai) means electronic payment.
電子レンジが壊れました。
The microwave broke.
壊れました (kowaremashita) is the past tense of the intransitive verb 壊れる (to break).
電子チケットを見せてください。
Please show your electronic ticket.
見せてください (misete kudasai) is the te-form + kudasai, making a polite request.
電子マネーの残高が足りない。
My e-money balance is insufficient.
残高 (zandaka) means balance. 足りない (tarinai) means not enough.
毎日、電子版の新聞を読んでいます。
I read the digital version of the newspaper every day.
電子版 (denshiban) means electronic/digital edition.
電子体温計で熱を測る。
I measure my temperature with an electronic thermometer.
体温計 (taionkei) is thermometer. 測る (hakaru) means to measure.
会社の書類はすべて電子化されました。
All company documents have been digitized.
電子化 (denshika) means digitization. されました is the passive past tense of する.
電子署名を使って契約を結びました。
We signed the contract using an electronic signature.
電子署名 (denshi shomei) means e-signature. 契約を結ぶ means to sign a contract.
物理の授業で電子の性質について学んだ。
I learned about the properties of electrons in physics class.
Here, 電子 means the scientific particle 'electron'. 性質 (seishitsu) means properties.
電子政府の推進が求められている。
The promotion of e-government is being demanded.
電子政府 (denshi seifu) means e-government. 求められている is passive continuous.
紙の辞書より電子辞書の方が便利だと思う。
I think electronic dictionaries are more convenient than paper ones.
A より B の方が (A yori B no ho ga) is the grammar structure for comparisons.
電子部品の不足が自動車産業に影響を与えている。
The shortage of electronic components is affecting the auto industry.
電子部品 (denshi buhin) means electronic parts/components.
市役所の手続きが電子申請でできるようになりました。
City hall procedures can now be done via electronic application.
電子申請 (denshi shinsei) means electronic application. ようになりました indicates a change in state.
電子マネーの普及で、現金を持ち歩かなくなった。
With the spread of e-money, I no longer carry cash around.
普及 (fukyu) means spread/popularization. なくなった indicates a negative change.
電子商取引の市場規模は年々拡大している。
The market size of e-commerce is expanding year by year.
電子商取引 (denshi sho-torihiki) is the formal term for e-commerce.
この物質は熱を加えると電子を放出する。
This substance emits electrons when heat is applied.
放出する (hoshutsu suru) means to emit or release. 加えると is a conditional 'when'.
医療現場での電子カルテの導入が進んでいる。
The introduction of electronic medical records is advancing in the medical field.
電子カルテ (denshi karute) means electronic medical records (from German 'Karte').
電子証明書がないと、このシステムにはログインできません。
You cannot log into this system without a digital certificate.
電子証明書 (denshi shomeisho) means digital certificate. ないと is a negative conditional.
確定申告を電子申告（e-Tax）で行った。
I filed my tax return using electronic filing (e-Tax).
電子申告 (denshi shinkoku) means electronic tax filing. 確定申告 is tax return.
電子顕微鏡を使えば、ウイルスの構造を見ることができる。
If you use an electron microscope, you can see the structure of the virus.
電子顕微鏡 (denshi kenbikyo) means electron microscope. 使えば is the conditional 'ba' form.
電子掲示板に誹謗中傷を書き込むのは犯罪になり得る。
Writing slander on an electronic bulletin board can be a crime.
電子掲示板 (denshi keijiban) means electronic bulletin board (BBS). なり得る means 'can become'.
企業は電子帳簿保存法に対応する必要がある。
Companies need to comply with the Electronic Record Retention Law.
電子帳簿保存法 is a specific Japanese law regarding digital accounting records.
量子力学において、電子は粒子と波の二重性を持つ。
In quantum mechanics, electrons possess wave-particle duality.
二重性 (nijusei) means duality. において is a formal way of saying 'in' or 'regarding'.
行政の電子化は、業務効率化だけでなく透明性の向上にも寄与する。
The digitization of administration contributes not only to operational efficiency but also to improved transparency.
寄与する (kiyo suru) means to contribute. だけでなく...も means 'not only... but also'.
電子透かし技術を用いて、デジタルコンテンツの著作権を保護する。
We protect the copyright of digital content using digital watermark technology.
電子透かし (denshi sukashi) means digital watermark. 用いて is the formal te-form of 用いる (to use).
半導体内部での電子の移動度が、デバイスの性能を決定づける。
The mobility of electrons inside a semiconductor determines the performance of the device.
移動度 (idodo) means mobility. 決定づける means to decisively determine.
電子投票システムの導入には、セキュリティ上の課題が山積している。
The introduction of electronic voting systems has a mountain of security challenges.
電子投票 (denshi tohyo) means electronic voting. 山積している (sanseki shite iru) means piled up/mounting.
その論文は、特定の金属表面における電子状態の遷移を解明した。
That paper elucidated the transition of electronic states on specific metal surfaces.
電子状態 (denshi jotai) means electronic state. 遷移 (sen'i) means transition.
電子マネー決済のインフラ整備が、地方創生の鍵となるだろう。
The development of infrastructure for e-money payments will likely be the key to regional revitalization.
インフラ整備 means infrastructure development. 地方創生 means regional revitalization.
電子回路の微細化は、物理的な限界に近づきつつあると言われている。
It is said that the miniaturization of electronic circuits is approaching its physical limits.
電子回路 (denshi kairo) means electronic circuit. 微細化 (bisaika) means miniaturization. つつある indicates an ongoing process.
スピン角運動量を持つ電子の振る舞いが、磁性の根本的な原因である。
The behavior of electrons with spin angular momentum is the fundamental cause of magnetism.
スピン角運動量 (supin kaku undoryo) means spin angular momentum. 根本的 (konponteki) means fundamental.
電子帳簿保存法の改正に伴い、企業の経理フローは抜本的な見直しを迫られた。
With the revision of the Electronic Record Retention Law, companies were forced to fundamentally review their accounting flows.
伴い (tomonai) means 'along with'. 抜本的 (bapponteki) means drastic/fundamental. 迫られた is passive 'forced to'.
走査型電子顕微鏡（SEM）による観察で、ナノレベルの表面形状が明らかになった。
Observation using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed the surface topography at the nano level.
走査型電子顕微鏡 (sosagata denshi kenbikyo) means scanning electron microscope. 明らかになった means became clear/revealed.
電子署名法における認証局の法的責任について、激しい議論が交わされた。
Fierce debates were exchanged regarding the legal liability of certificate authorities under the Electronic Signature Law.
認証局 (ninshokyoku) means certificate authority. 法的責任 means legal liability.
光電効果は、金属に光を照射した際に電子が飛び出す現象を指す。
The photoelectric effect refers to the phenomenon where electrons are ejected when light is irradiated onto a metal.
光電効果 (koden koka) means photoelectric effect. 照射 (shosha) means irradiation.
電子政府構築の遅れは、国家の国際競争力を著しく低下させる要因となる。
Delays in building an e-government will become a factor that significantly lowers the nation's international competitiveness.
構築 (kochiku) means construction/building. 著しく (ichijirushiku) means significantly.
強相関電子系物質における超伝導メカニズムの解明は、現代物理学の最重要課題の一つだ。
Elucidating the mechanism of superconductivity in strongly correlated electron systems is one of the most important issues in modern physics.
強相関電子系 (kyosokan denshikei) means strongly correlated electron system. 超伝導 (chodendo) means superconductivity.
電子決済等代行業者の登録制導入により、フィンテック市場の健全化が図られた。
Through the introduction of a registration system for electronic payment service providers, the normalization of the FinTech market was promoted.
電子決済等代行業者 refers to electronic payment service providers. 健全化 (kenzenka) means normalization/making sound.
Synonymes
Antonymes
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Souvent confondu avec
Expressions idiomatiques
Facile à confondre
Structures de phrases
Comment l'utiliser
Remember that while it is a noun meaning 'electron', 90% of daily usage is as a prefix meaning 'electronic'.
- Saying 電子代 (denshidai) instead of 電気代 (denkidai) for electric bill.
- Saying 電子のレンジ (denshi no renji) instead of 電子レンジ.
- Confusing 電子 (denshi) with 電池 (denchi - battery).
- Saying 電子カメラ instead of デジタルカメラ.
- Using 電子メール in casual conversation with friends.
Astuces
Shopping Essential
Memorize 'denshi mane' (e-money). Cashiers will ask you this constantly in Japan. Knowing it saves you from awkward pauses at the register.
No Particle Needed
Treat 'denshi + noun' as one big word. Don't put 'no' in the middle. It's 'denshi jisho', not 'denshi no jisho'.
Flat Tone
Say 'denshi' with a flat, robotic tone. Don't emphasize the 'shi' too much, or it might sound like you are asking a question.
The Microwave
The word for microwave is 'denshi renji', but in casual speech, just say 'renji'. If you want someone to microwave something, say 'chin shite'.
Kanji Breakdown
Look at the kanji: 電 (electricity) + 子 (child/particle). This literal translation 'electric particle' helps you remember its scientific root.
Formal Writing
In business emails, use words like 'denshi shomei' (e-signature) to sound professional. It shows you understand modern Japanese corporate etiquette.
Train Announcements
Listen for 'denshi kiki' (electronic devices) on trains and planes. It's usually followed by a request to turn them off or set them to silent mode.
Denki vs Denshi
Denki = raw power (lights, bills). Denshi = smart power (computers, digital money). Never mix them up!
Suffix 'Ka'
Add 'ka' (化) to make 'denshika' (digitization). This is a great buzzword to use in essays or advanced conversations about society.
Scientific Suffix
Notice the 'shi' (子) in denshi. You'll see it in other science words like genshi (atom) and bunshi (molecule). It means 'particle'.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a tiny child (子 - shi) made of electricity (電 - den) running around inside your microwave (電子レンジ) to heat up your food.
Origine du mot
Sino-Japanese (Kango)
Contexte culturel
Japan was traditionally a cash-based society, but 'denshi mane' (e-money) like Suica and PayPay have revolutionized daily life.
The shift from physical stamps (hanko) to 'denshi shomei' (e-signatures) is a major cultural shift in Japanese corporate culture.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Amorces de conversation
"電子書籍と紙の本、どちらが好きですか？"
"普段、どの電子マネーを使っていますか？"
"電子レンジで簡単に作れる料理を知っていますか？"
"日本の行政の電子化についてどう思いますか？"
"電子辞書を使ったことがありますか？"
Sujets d'écriture
Write about your favorite 'denshi' (electronic) device and why you like it.
Describe a time when 'denshi mane' (e-money) was very convenient for you.
Do you think 'denshi shoseki' (e-books) will completely replace paper books? Why or why not?
Explain how to use a 'denshi renji' (microwave) in Japanese.
Write about the pros and cons of a cashless ('denshi kessai') society.
Questions fréquentes
10 questions電気 (denki) refers to raw electricity or simple electric power, like a lightbulb. 電子 (denshi) refers to the electron particle, or complex electronic/digital devices that process information. You use denki for a lamp, but denshi for a computer or e-money. They cannot be used interchangeably. Mixing them up sounds very unnatural.
No, that sounds unnatural. While they technically mean similar things, Japanese has established collocations. A digital camera is always デジタルカメラ (dejitaru kamera) or デジカメ. 電子 is not used for cameras, just like we don't say 'electronic camera' in English.
Usually, no. When 電子 is used as a prefix to mean 'electronic' (like e-money or e-book), it attaches directly to the noun: 電子マネー, 電子書籍. You only use 'no' if you are talking about the actual scientific particle possessing something, like 電子の重さ (the weight of an electron).
The term 電子レンジ (denshi renji) was coined in Japan. 'Denshi' refers to the electromagnetic waves (microwaves) used to heat the food, which are generated by manipulating electrons. 'Renji' comes from the English word 'range' (as in a cooking range or stove).
As a standalone word meaning 'electron', it is scientific. As a prefix, it is standard and neutral. However, native kango (Sino-Japanese words) like 電子化 (digitization) sound more formal and bureaucratic than loanwords like デジタル化. You will see 電子 used heavily in legal and government contexts.
It is pronounced 'den-shi'. In standard Tokyo Japanese, it has a flat (heiban) pitch accent, meaning the pitch starts low on 'de' and goes up and stays flat on 'n-shi'. Be careful not to pronounce it like 'den-chi' (battery).
The suffix 化 (ka) means '-ization' or 'making something into'. Therefore, 電子化 (denshika) means 'digitization' or 'computerization'. It refers to the process of taking something analog, like paper documents, and turning them into digital files.
Sometimes, but not always. While e-commerce is 電子商取引, you wouldn't say 'denshi game' for an online game (that's オンラインゲーム). 電子 specifically refers to the electronic or digital format of the thing itself, not necessarily its connection to the internet.
Yes. 電子メール (denshi meru) is the full, formal term for electronic mail. However, in everyday conversation, everyone simply says メール (meru). You only need to use the full term in very formal writing or technical documentation.
電子マネー (denshi mane) translates to 'e-money'. It refers to prepaid IC cards (like Suica or Pasmo) and smartphone payment apps (like PayPay or Apple Pay) used widely in Japan for cashless transactions at stores and train stations.
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Summary
The word 電子 (denshi) literally means 'electron', but you will use it every day as a prefix meaning 'electronic' or 'digital' for things like microwaves, e-money, and e-books.
- Means 'electron' in science.
- Acts like the 'e-' prefix in English.
- Used in words like microwave (電子レンジ).
- Used for digital things like e-money (電子マネー).
Shopping Essential
Memorize 'denshi mane' (e-money). Cashiers will ask you this constantly in Japan. Knowing it saves you from awkward pauses at the register.
No Particle Needed
Treat 'denshi + noun' as one big word. Don't put 'no' in the middle. It's 'denshi jisho', not 'denshi no jisho'.
Flat Tone
Say 'denshi' with a flat, robotic tone. Don't emphasize the 'shi' too much, or it might sound like you are asking a question.
The Microwave
The word for microwave is 'denshi renji', but in casual speech, just say 'renji'. If you want someone to microwave something, say 'chin shite'.
Exemple
電子が移動します。
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分析
B1L'analyse des données a révélé des tendances inattendues.
原子
A1Un atome est l'unité de base de la matière. C'est la plus petite unité d'un élément chimique.
引力
A1C'est la force physique qui attire les objets les uns vers les autres. On l'utilise aussi pour décrire un charme puissant.
細菌
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繁殖
A1La reproduction ou la multiplication des animaux, des plantes ou des micro-organismes. Ce terme n'est pas utilisé pour les humains.
炭素
A1Le carbone est un élément chimique fondamental pour la vie. On le trouve dans le charbon et les diamants.
触媒
A1Un catalyseur. Une substance qui accélère une réaction chimique, ou une personne/chose qui provoque un changement rapide.
塩素
A1Le chlore est un élément chimique utilisé pour désinfecter l'eau. On le trouve souvent dans les piscines et les produits de nettoyage.
解明
A1Élucidation, clarification. L'acte de résoudre un mystère ou de clarifier un problème complexe.
