分子
In a scientific context, it refers to a 'molecule,' the smallest unit of a chemical compound. In mathematics, it refers to the 'numerator,' the top number in a fraction.
Examples
3 of 5水は水素と酸素の分子からできています。
Water is made of hydrogen and oxygen molecules.
不純な分子の混入を防ぐ必要があります。
It is necessary to prevent the inclusion of impure elements.
あのグループには変な分子が混じっているね。
There are some weird elements (people) mixed into that group, aren't there?
Word Family
Memory Tip
The kanji consist of 'divide' (分) and 'child' (子). Think of the 'child' as the small piece of a molecule, or the child sitting on the mother's (分母) shoulders in a fraction.
Quick Quiz
分数では、上に( )があり、下に分母があります。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 分子
Examples
水は水素と酸素の分子からできています。
everydayWater is made of hydrogen and oxygen molecules.
不純な分子の混入を防ぐ必要があります。
formalIt is necessary to prevent the inclusion of impure elements.
あのグループには変な分子が混じっているね。
informalThere are some weird elements (people) mixed into that group, aren't there?
この論文は分子生物学の最新の研究に基づいています。
academicThis paper is based on the latest research in molecular biology.
組織内の反対分子を説得しなければなりません。
businessWe must persuade the opposing elements within the organization.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
不純分子
impure element (an outsider or troublemaker)
過激分子
radical elements/extremists
分子量
molecular weight
Often Confused With
Bunshi is the top number of a fraction, while Bunbo is the bottom number.
Genshi is a single atom; Bunshi is a group of atoms bonded together.
Usage Notes
Use this word primarily in science or math. When used to describe people, it often has a slightly negative or clinical nuance, suggesting they are a 'component' of a larger group.
Common Mistakes
Students often swap 'bunshi' (numerator) and 'bunbo' (denominator) when talking about math. Remember that the 'child' (shi) sits on top of the 'mother' (bo).
Memory Tip
The kanji consist of 'divide' (分) and 'child' (子). Think of the 'child' as the small piece of a molecule, or the child sitting on the mother's (分母) shoulders in a fraction.
Word Origin
A compound of 'bun' (to divide/part) and 'shi' (child/small object), originating as a translation for Western scientific and mathematical terms in the Meiji era.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
分数では、上に( )があり、下に分母があります。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 分子
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
蒸発
A1The physical process of a liquid turning into vapor or gas, often due to heat. It is also used metaphorically to describe a person or object that suddenly and mysteriously disappears.
凝縮
A1The process of condensing a substance into a denser form, such as gas turning into liquid. Figuratively, it refers to concentrating a large amount of information, emotion, or quality into a very small, potent space.
溶解
A1The process by which a solid, liquid, or gas forms a solution in a solvent. It specifically refers to a substance becoming incorporated into a liquid to create a homogeneous mixture.
凝固
A1凝固 (gyōko) refers to the physical process where a liquid changes into a solid state, typically due to cooling or a chemical reaction. It is most commonly used in scientific contexts like chemistry, geology, and medicine, such as describing blood clotting or the solidification of lava.
結晶
A1A solid material whose atoms are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern, commonly known as a crystal. It is also used metaphorically to describe the beautiful or tangible result of long-term hard work and effort.
原子
A1An atom is the basic building block of all matter and the smallest unit of a chemical element. It consists of a dense central nucleus surrounded by a cloud of negatively charged electrons.
粒子
A1A very small piece or bit of matter, such as a grain of sand, a speck of dust, or a microscopic unit like an atom or molecule. It is commonly used in scientific contexts to describe the fundamental components of a substance or in photography to describe the grain of an image.
電子
A1Refers to an electron in a scientific context or, more commonly, signifies that something is digital or electronic. It is frequently used as a prefix to describe modern technology replacements for traditional items like books or money.
中性子
A1A neutron is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom that carries no electric charge. It has a mass slightly larger than that of a proton and is essential for the stability of atomic nuclei.
元素
A1A chemical element, which is a fundamental substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. It refers to the basic building blocks of matter listed on the periodic table.
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