At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '化合物' (kagōbutsu) in daily conversation. However, you might see it in very basic science posters or simple children's books about nature. It means 'compound.' Think of it as a 'science word' for when two things join together to make something new. For example, water is a compound made of hydrogen and oxygen. You can remember it by looking at the first part 'ka' (化), which is also in 'kagaku' (science/chemistry). At this level, just recognize that it is a noun used in science. If you see it, know it's talking about a 'thing' (物) that was 'made' (化) by 'joining' (合) elements. It is a formal word, so you won't use it to talk about mixing juice and water! That is just 'mixing.' This word is for when the change is permanent and scientific. You might hear a teacher say it in a very simple way: 'Mizu wa kagōbutsu desu' (Water is a compound). Just focus on the fact that it is a noun and relates to chemistry. It's a great 'bonus' word to show you know some technical Japanese early on. Don't worry about the complex kanji yet; just focus on the sound 'ka-gō-bu-tsu.'
At the A2 level, you should be able to recognize '化合物' in simple technical texts or news headlines. You are starting to learn more specific nouns, and 化合物 is a key term for describing the world scientifically. You might use it in a basic sentence like 'Kore wa kagōbutsu desu ka?' (Is this a compound?). You should also start to distinguish it from 'busshitsu' (substance). While 'busshitsu' is anything you can touch, 'kagōbutsu' is specifically a chemical mix. In your studies, you might encounter it when talking about the environment or health. For example, 'Yūki kagōbutsu' (organic compound) is a term often used in health news. You don't need to explain the chemistry, but you should know that it refers to a substance made of different elements. When you see the kanji, notice '物' (mono/thing), which you already know from 'tabemono' (food) or 'nomimono' (drink). This helps you remember it's a 'thing.' The middle kanji '合' (gō) is from 'au' (to meet/fit), which helps you remember things are 'fitting together' to make the compound. Practice saying it clearly with the long 'ō' sound: ka-gō-bu-tsu. This will help you sound more professional when discussing school subjects or the news.
By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '化合物' in academic or professional contexts. You can use it to describe chemical processes in a basic way. For instance, you might explain a simple experiment: 'Suiso to sanso ga kagō shite, kagōbutsu ga dekimasu' (Hydrogen and oxygen combine, and a compound is formed). You should also be aware of the difference between 'kagōbutsu' (compound) and 'kongōbutsu' (mixture). This distinction is important for passing the JLPT N3 or N2 levels. You will start to see this word in more complex sentences, often modified by adjectives like 'michi-no' (unknown) or 'tokutei-no' (specific). You might also encounter it in the context of 'kihatsusei yūki kagōbutsu' (VOCs) when reading about environmental issues. At this level, you should be able to read the kanji without furigana in most contexts. Try to use it when writing short essays about science or the environment. Instead of just saying 'substance' (物質), using '化合物' shows that you have a more precise vocabulary. It also allows you to connect with other related words like 'gōsei' (synthesis) and 'bunseki' (analysis). Understanding this word helps you bridge the gap between everyday Japanese and 'Academic Japanese.'
At the B2 level, '化合物' is a word you should use with precision in technical discussions. You should understand its nuances, such as why a certain substance is classified as a compound versus an element or an alloy. You will likely encounter it in scientific journals, detailed news reports, and professional presentations. You should be able to discuss 'yūki kagōbutsu' (organic compounds) and 'muki kagōbutsu' (inorganic compounds) fluently. For example, 'Kono kagōbutsu wa netsu ni tsuyoi desu' (This compound is resistant to heat). You will also see it in complex grammatical structures, such as 'kagōbutsu to shite no seishitsu' (properties as a compound). At this level, you should also be familiar with related verbs like 'gōsei suru' (to synthesize) and 'bunreitsu suru' (to decompose). You might use it when discussing the chemical industry in Japan, which is a major part of the economy. Being able to use this word correctly in a business meeting or a university seminar is expected. You should also be aware of its usage in legal and safety contexts, such as 'kagōbutsu no anzensei' (the safety of the compound). Your ability to use such specific terminology correctly is a hallmark of the B2 level, showing that you can handle complex, abstract, and technical topics.
At the C1 level, you are expected to have a near-native command of '化合物' and its various applications in specialized fields. You should be able to discuss the molecular structure, bonding types (ionic, covalent), and the thermodynamic properties of compounds using appropriate Japanese terminology. You will encounter this word in high-level academic papers, patent documents, and specialized medical literature. You should be able to distinguish between 'kagōbutsu' and 'sakutai' (complexes) or 'jugōtai' (polymers) with ease. For example, in a discussion about pharmacology, you might say, 'Kono kagōbutsu no yakuri sayō wa mada kaimei sarete inai' (The pharmacological action of this compound has not yet been elucidated). You should also be comfortable with the metaphorical or extended uses of the kanji components in other words. At this level, you are not just learning the word; you are learning the entire conceptual framework surrounding it in Japanese science. You should be able to critique scientific reports or participate in high-level debates about chemical regulations. Your use of '化合物' should be effortless, integrated perfectly into the formal 'desu/masu' or 'da/dearu' styles depending on the context. You should also be able to explain the etymology and the historical development of chemical nomenclature in Japan if required.
At the C2 level, your understanding of '化合物' is exhaustive. You can use the term in any context, from a highly specialized chemistry symposium to a philosophical discussion about the nature of matter. You are aware of the most subtle nuances, such as the historical shifts in how compounds were classified in Japanese science from the Edo period 'Rangaku' (Dutch studies) to modern 'Kagaku.' You can fluently discuss 'shinki kagōbutsu' (novel compounds) in the context of intellectual property law and international patent applications. You understand the nuances of how '化合物' is used in different sub-disciplines, such as biochemistry, materials science, and quantum chemistry. You can use the word in complex, multi-clause sentences that involve advanced grammar and rare kanji compounds. For example, 'Kōbunshi kagōbutsu no kōzō kaiseki ni oite, saishin no bunko-gaku-teki shuhō ga mochiirareta' (In the structural analysis of high-molecular compounds, the latest spectroscopic methods were employed). At this level, you are essentially a peer to native speakers in professional and academic environments. You can write, edit, and peer-review scientific content in Japanese that uses this term. Your mastery of '化合物' reflects a total integration of technical Japanese into your linguistic repertoire.

化合物 30秒了解

  • A chemical compound made of two or more elements.
  • Has a fixed ratio and unique chemical properties.
  • Commonly used in science, medicine, and industry.
  • Distinct from a mixture (混合物) which is not bonded.

The term 化合物 (かごうぶつ - Kagōbutsu) is a fundamental concept in chemistry and the natural sciences. It refers to a chemical compound—a substance formed when two or more distinct chemical elements are chemically bonded together. Unlike a mixture, where components retain their individual properties and can be separated physically, a compound has unique physical and chemical properties that differ from its constituent elements. For example, sodium (a reactive metal) and chlorine (a toxic gas) combine to form sodium chloride, or common table salt, which is essential for life. The kanji themselves tell a story: (ka) means 'change' or 'transformation,' (gō) means 'to combine' or 'to join,' and (butsu) means 'thing' or 'matter.' Together, they describe 'matter created by a transformative combination.'

Chemical Bonding
The process where atoms share or transfer electrons to reach a stable state, creating the compound.
Fixed Ratio
Compounds always consist of elements in a fixed, definite proportion by mass, known as the Law of Constant Proportions.
Pure Substance
A compound is considered a pure substance because it has a uniform and definite composition throughout.

水は水素と酸素からなる化合物です。(Water is a compound consisting of hydrogen and oxygen.)

In a broader scientific context, understanding 化合物 is the key to understanding how the universe is built. From the DNA in our cells to the plastics in our electronics, almost everything we interact with is a complex 化合物. Scientists categorize these into organic compounds (containing carbon) and inorganic compounds. The study of how these substances interact is the basis of the entire field of chemistry. When you see this word in a Japanese textbook or news report, it almost always implies a level of complexity and a specific scientific definition that goes beyond a simple 'mixture' (混合物).

二酸化炭素は代表的な有機化合物ではありません。(Carbon dioxide is not a typical organic compound; it is inorganic.)

Organic Compound
有機化合物 (Yūki kagōbutsu) - Compounds primarily made of carbon and hydrogen.
Inorganic Compound
無機化合物 (Muki kagōbutsu) - Compounds that lack carbon-hydrogen bonds.

The precision of the word 化合物 is what makes it indispensable in academic writing. While a layperson might just say 'substance' (物質), a scientist specifies 化合物 to indicate that the internal structure involves chemical bonds. This distinction is vital in industrial manufacturing, pharmacology, and environmental science. For instance, when discussing pollutants, specifying whether a substance is a single element or a toxic 化合物 determines the legal and safety protocols required for handling it.

新しい化合物が製薬会社によって開発された。(A new compound was developed by the pharmaceutical company.)

Using 化合物 correctly requires an understanding of its formal and technical register. It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation unless the topic is specifically about science, health, or cooking at a molecular level. In Japanese, it functions as a noun and can be modified by various adjectives or other nouns to specify the type of compound being discussed. Common modifiers include 'organic' (有機), 'inorganic' (無機), 'high-molecular' (高分子 - often referring to polymers), and 'aromatic' (芳香族).

この実験では、特定の化合物の反応を観察します。(In this experiment, we will observe the reaction of a specific compound.)

When writing a lab report or a technical paper, 化合物 is the standard term. You will often see it paired with verbs like 'synthesize' (合成する), 'decompose' (分解する), or 'identify' (特定する). For example, '化合物 A を合成する' (to synthesize compound A). In a business context, particularly in the chemical or pharmaceutical industries, 化合物 is used when discussing patents, research and development, and product safety data sheets (SDS). It carries a weight of precision that words like 'mono' (もの - thing) or 'busshitsu' (物質 - substance) lack.

Synthesize
化合物を作る (Kagōbutsu o tsukuru) is okay, but 化合物を合成する (Kagōbutsu o gōsei suru) is professional.
Analyze
化合物を分析する (Kagōbutsu o bunseki suru) - To break down and study the components.

Furthermore, in the context of environmental science, you might hear about 'volatile organic compounds' (VOCs), which in Japanese are translated as 揮発性有機化合物 (kihatsusei yūki kagōbutsu). This is a common term in news reports regarding air quality and indoor paint safety. Using the full term 化合物 in these instances shows a high level of literacy and technical knowledge. Even in high school chemistry classes, students are taught to distinguish between a single element (単体), a mixture (混合物), and a compound (化合物).

未知の化合物が土壌から検出されました。(An unknown compound was detected in the soil.)

You are most likely to encounter 化合物 in educational, professional, and journalistic settings. In a Japanese high school (高校) or university (大学), the word is ubiquitous in science textbooks. If you watch NHK News or read major newspapers like the Asahi Shimbun, you will see 化合物 used in reports about medical breakthroughs, environmental regulations, or industrial accidents. For instance, a report on a new cancer drug will likely describe the 'active compound' (有効化合物) that makes the treatment effective.

ニュース:新種の化合物が深海で発見されました。(News: A new type of compound was discovered in the deep sea.)

In the workplace, specifically within the 'Chemical' (化学), 'Pharmaceutical' (製薬), and 'Materials Science' (材料科学) sectors, 化合物 is part of the daily jargon. Researchers discuss 'lead compounds' (リード化合物) in drug discovery. Factory workers might receive training on the hazards of specific 'chemical compounds' handled on the assembly line. Even in the food industry, when discussing additives or preservatives, the technical term used in safety evaluations is often 化合物.

Academic Lectures
Professors use it to explain molecular structures and chemical reactions.
Documentaries
Science programs like 'Science Zero' on NHK frequently use the term.

Another interesting place you might hear it is in discussions about climate change. Scientists talk about 'greenhouse gas compounds' (温室効果ガス化合物). In these serious discussions, using 化合物 instead of a more general term emphasizes the scientific basis of the argument. It signals that the speaker is referring to the specific molecular makeup of the gases, such as methane or nitrous oxide, rather than just 'smoke' or 'pollution.'

教授:この化合物の融点は非常に高いです。(Professor: The melting point of this compound is very high.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 化合物 is confusing it with 混合物 (こんごうぶつ - Kongōbutsu). While both involve multiple substances, they are fundamentally different in chemistry. A 化合物 (compound) is chemically bonded and has a fixed composition (like water, H2O). A 混合物 (mixture) is just physically mixed and can have any ratio (like salt water or air). Using 化合物 to describe a simple mixture will make your Japanese sound scientifically inaccurate.

❌ 泥水は化合物です。(Muddy water is a compound. - Incorrect, it's a mixture.)

Another mistake is overusing 化合物 in casual situations. If you are talking about the ingredients in a cake, you should use 'zairyō' (材料 - ingredients) or 'seibun' (成分 - components/ingredients). Calling sugar or flour a 化合物 in a kitchen setting sounds overly robotic or like you are a 'mad scientist.' It's important to match the word to the 'register' of the conversation. 化合物 is a high-register, technical word.

Confusing with 'Element'
Don't confuse it with 元素 (Genso - element). An element is a single type of atom; a compound is two or more.
Pronunciation
Ensure you don't confuse 'Kagō' (化合) with 'Kago' (籠 - basket). The long 'ō' is crucial.

Lastly, learners sometimes forget the 'butsu' (物) at the end. While 'kagō' (化合) is a noun meaning 'chemical combination' (the process), 'kagōbutsu' (化合物) is the noun for the resulting 'substance.' If you want to say 'This substance is...', you must use the full word 化合物. Using just 化合 would be like saying 'This chemical combination is...' which sounds incomplete in many contexts.

✅ 水素と酸素が化合して、化合物である水ができる。(Hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water, which is a compound.)

To master 化合物, it's helpful to understand its relationship with similar terms in the Japanese scientific lexicon. The most closely related word is 物質 (ぶっしつ - Busshitsu), which means 'substance' or 'matter.' 物質 is a broader term; all 化合物 are 物質, but not all 物質 are 化合物 (some are elements or mixtures). If you aren't sure if something is a compound, 物質 is a safer, more general choice.

鉄は化合物ではなく、純粋な物質(元素)です。(Iron is not a compound; it is a pure substance (element).)

Another similar word is 合成物 (ごうせいぶつ - Gōseibutsu), meaning 'synthetic substance' or 'composite.' While 化合物 refers to the chemical nature of the bonding, 合成物 often emphasizes that the substance was man-made in a lab rather than occurring naturally. However, in many contexts, a synthetic compound can be called both. There is also 混合物 (こんごうぶつ), which we discussed as the opposite of a compound in terms of bonding.

分子 (Bunshi)
Molecule. A compound is made of molecules, but a molecule can also consist of just one type of element (like O2).
成分 (Seibun)
Component/Ingredient. Used for food, cosmetics, and general parts of a whole.

Finally, consider 薬品 (やくひん - Yakuhin), which means 'chemicals' or 'medicine.' This is used when the focus is on the utility or the effect of the substance (e.g., cleaning chemicals or drugs). While a 薬品 is often a 化合物, the word 薬品 is used in practical, everyday business or medical contexts, whereas 化合物 remains the term for the chemical identity of the substance.

この合成物は複数の化合物から作られています。(This composite is made from multiple compounds.)

How Formal Is It?

难度评级

需要掌握的语法

Noun + の + Noun

A は B からなる (A consists of B)

A と B が化合する (A and B combine)

Passive voice for discovery (発見される)

Potential form for dissolving (溶ける)

按水平分级的例句

1

これは化合物です。

This is a compound.

Simple A is B structure.

2

水は化合物ですか?

Is water a compound?

Question form with 'ka'.

3

はい、化合物です。

Yes, it is a compound.

Affirmative response.

4

それはきれいな化合物ですね。

That is a beautiful compound, isn't it?

Using an adjective with the noun.

5

この化合物は白です。

This compound is white.

Describing color.

6

化合物を見ます。

I see the compound.

Object marker 'o'.

7

化合物はどこですか?

Where is the compound?

Asking for location.

8

ここに化合物があります。

There is a compound here.

Existence verb 'arimasu'.

1

塩はナトリウムと塩素の化合物です。

Salt is a compound of sodium and chlorine.

A is a compound of B and C.

2

新しい化合物を作りました。

I made a new compound.

Past tense of 'tsukuru'.

3

この化合物は危ないですか?

Is this compound dangerous?

Adjective 'abunai' modifying the subject.

4

理科のクラスで化合物を習いました。

I learned about compounds in science class.

Particle 'de' for location of action.

5

たくさんの化合物があります。

There are many compounds.

Quantifier 'takusan'.

6

この化合物は水に溶けます。

This compound dissolves in water.

Verb 'tokeru' (to dissolve).

7

化合物について本を読みます。

I will read a book about compounds.

'nitsuite' (about).

8

あの化合物は名前が長いです。

That compound has a long name.

Topic-subject structure.

1

二酸化炭素は、炭素と酸素からなる化合物です。

Carbon dioxide is a compound consisting of carbon and oxygen.

'...kara naru' (consisting of).

2

実験室で未知の化合物を分析しました。

We analyzed an unknown compound in the laboratory.

Adjective 'michi-no' (unknown).

3

この化合物は加熱すると分解します。

This compound decomposes when heated.

Conditional 'to' for natural consequences.

4

有機化合物は炭素を含んでいます。

Organic compounds contain carbon.

Verb 'fukumu' in te-iru form.

5

化合物の性質を調べることが重要です。

It is important to investigate the properties of compounds.

Nominalizing a verb with 'koto'.

6

この薬には特別な化合物が入っています。

This medicine contains a special compound.

Verb 'hairu' (to be inside).

7

化学者は新しい化合物を合成しようとしています。

Chemists are trying to synthesize new compounds.

Volitional form + 'to shite iru'.

8

化合物と混合物の違いを説明してください。

Please explain the difference between a compound and a mixture.

A to B no chigai (difference between A and B).

1

その化合物は、特定の条件下で安定しています。

The compound is stable under specific conditions.

'...no moto de' or '...jōken de'.

2

揮発性有機化合物は環境に悪影響を及ぼします。

Volatile organic compounds have a negative impact on the environment.

'...ni eikyō o oyobosu' (to exert influence on).

3

この化合物は、水溶液中でイオンに解離します。

This compound dissociates into ions in an aqueous solution.

Technical term 'kairi' (dissociation).

4

研究者は、その化合物の毒性を評価しました。

Researchers evaluated the toxicity of the compound.

Noun 'dokusei' (toxicity).

5

この化合物は、プラスチックの原料として使われます。

This compound is used as a raw material for plastic.

'...to shite' (as).

6

新しい化合物の発見は、科学界に衝撃を与えた。

The discovery of the new compound shocked the scientific community.

Noun 'shōgeki' (shock/impact).

7

化合物の構造を特定するために、X線解析を用いた。

X-ray analysis was used to identify the structure of the compound.

'...tame ni' (in order to).

8

この化合物は、空気中の酸素と容易に反応する。

This compound reacts easily with oxygen in the air.

Adverb 'yōi ni' (easily).

1

この化合物は、触媒としての機能を有している。

This compound possesses a function as a catalyst.

Formal verb 'yū-suru' (to possess).

2

複雑な有機化合物の全合成に成功した。

They succeeded in the total synthesis of a complex organic compound.

Noun 'zen-gōsei' (total synthesis).

3

化合物の立体配置が、その生物学的活性を左右する。

The stereoconfiguration of a compound determines its biological activity.

Verb 'sayū suru' (to influence/determine).

4

この化合物は、極性溶媒によく溶ける性質がある。

This compound has the property of dissolving well in polar solvents.

Noun 'kyokusei yōbai' (polar solvent).

5

芳香族化合物の反応機構について考察する。

We will consider the reaction mechanism of aromatic compounds.

Noun 'hannō kikō' (reaction mechanism).

6

その化合物は、高圧下で特異な相転移を示す。

The compound exhibits a unique phase transition under high pressure.

Noun 'sō-ten'i' (phase transition).

7

化合物の純度を高めるために、再結晶を繰り返した。

Recrystallization was repeated to increase the purity of the compound.

Noun 'jundo' (purity).

8

この化合物は、次世代の半導体材料として期待されている。

This compound is expected to be a next-generation semiconductor material.

Passive form 'kitai saredete iru'.

1

当該化合物は、生体内で速やかに代謝される。

The compound in question is rapidly metabolized within the living body.

Formal term 'tōgai' (the said/the in question).

2

化合物の電子状態を、密度汎関数法を用いて計算した。

The electronic state of the compound was calculated using density functional theory.

Technical term 'mitsudo han-kansū hō'.

3

この化合物は、キラル中心を複数持つため、多くの立体異性体が存在する。

Since this compound has multiple chiral centers, many stereoisomers exist.

Noun 'rittai iseitai' (stereoisomer).

4

化合物の構造活性相関を詳細に検討した。

The structure-activity relationship of the compound was examined in detail.

Noun 'kōzō kassei sōkan' (SAR).

5

新規化合物の創出は、創薬研究の根幹をなす。

The creation of novel compounds forms the basis of drug discovery research.

'...no konkan o nasu' (to form the basis of).

6

化合物の熱力学的安定性は、ギブス自由エネルギーによって決定される。

The thermodynamic stability of a compound is determined by Gibbs free energy.

Technical term 'netsu-rikigaku-teki anteisei'.

7

この化合物は、特定の受容体に対して高い親和性を示す。

This compound shows high affinity for a specific receptor.

Noun 'shin-wasei' (affinity).

8

化合物の合成経路の最適化により、収率が大幅に向上した。

The optimization of the compound's synthesis route significantly improved the yield.

Noun 'shū-ritsu' (yield).

近义词

合成物 複合物 化学物質 混合物 合剤

反义词

単体 元素

常见搭配

有機化合物
無機化合物
化合物を合成する
化合物を分析する
未知の化合物
特定の化合物
高分子化合物
化合物の性質
化合物の構造
化合物の反応

常用短语

代表的な化合物
新種の化合物
有害な化合物
安定した化合物
揮発性化合物
化合物の融点
化合物の沸点
天然の化合物
人工の化合物
化合物の生成

容易混淆的词

化合物 vs 混合物

化合物 vs 合成物

化合物 vs 元素

容易混淆

化合物 vs

化合物 vs

化合物 vs

化合物 vs

化合物 vs

句型

如何使用

nuance

Strictly scientific. Not for general 'mixtures'.

formality

High. Suitable for exams and professional work.

常见错误
  • Calling air a compound.
  • Forgetting the 'butsu' at the end.
  • Mispronouncing 'kagō' as 'kago'.
  • Using it for kitchen ingredients.
  • Confusing it with 'element' (元素).

小贴士

Think Lab

Associate this word with a chemistry lab and test tubes.

Kanji Breakdown

Change + Join + Thing. A thing made by changing and joining.

Formal Only

Use this in reports, not when talking to friends about cooking.

Long Vowel

Be careful with 'gō'. It's a long 'o' sound.

Environment

Look for this word in news about air pollution (VOCs).

Pure Substance

Remember that a compound is a 'pure substance' (純物質).

Academic Tone

Using this word instantly makes your writing sound more academic.

News Keywords

It often appears with 'shin-shu' (new species/type) or 'hakken' (discovery).

Element vs Compound

An element is one type of atom; a compound is two or more.

Compound Nouns

It often forms long compound nouns like 'kihatsusei-yūki-kagōbutsu'.

记住它

词源

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

文化背景

Japan is a global leader in high-molecular compounds (polymers).

Japanese students learn this in the 2nd year of Junior High.

在生活中练习

真实语境

对话开场白

"この化合物についてどう思いますか?"

"新しい化合物が発見されたそうですよ。"

"有機化合物と無機化合物の違いは何ですか?"

"この薬の主要な化合物は何ですか?"

"実験で使う化合物は安全ですか?"

日记主题

今日、理科の授業で習った化合物について書きましょう。

身の回りにある化合物(水や塩など)をリストアップしてください。

将来、新しい化合物を発見したら、何と名付けますか?

環境に悪い化合物について、自分の意見を書いてください。

化学の実験で一番印象に残っている化合物は何ですか?

常见问题

10 个问题

A 化合物 is chemically bonded with a fixed ratio, while a 混合物 is physically mixed with no fixed ratio.

Yes, water (H2O) is a compound made of hydrogen and oxygen.

Yes, table salt (NaCl) is a compound of sodium and chlorine.

It is 'yūki kagōbutsu' (有機化合物).

Rarely. It is mostly used in science, medicine, or news.

It usually appears around N2 level.

No, a salad is a 混合物 (mixture), not a 化合物.

It means 'change' or 'transform'.

It means 'to join' or 'to combine'.

No, air is a 混合物 (mixture) of different gases like nitrogen and oxygen.

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