A1 noun Neutral #2,742 most common

分子

bunshi /bɯᵝɴɕi/

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
1

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.

2

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.

3

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

Noun
分子
Adjective
分子的な
Related
分母
💡

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

1

水は水素と酸素の分子からできています。

everyday

Water is made of hydrogen and oxygen molecules.

2

不純な分子の混入を防ぐ必要があります。

formal

It is necessary to prevent the inclusion of impure elements.

3

あのグループには変な分子が混じっているね。

informal

There are some weird elements (people) mixed into that group, aren't there?

4

この論文は分子生物学の最新の研究に基づいています。

academic

This paper is based on the latest research in molecular biology.

5

組織内の反対分子を説得しなければなりません。

business

We must persuade the opposing elements within the organization.

Word Family

Noun
分子
Adjective
分子的な
Related
分母

Common Collocations

分子構造 molecular structure
分子生物学 molecular biology
反対分子 opposing elements (people)
高分子 polymer (high molecule)
分子模型 molecular model

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

分子 vs 分母

Bunshi is the top number of a fraction, while Bunbo is the bottom number.

分子 vs 原子

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

It is a common noun. It functions as a no-adjective (分子の) to describe molecular properties. It does not have a plural form.

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 Words

蒸発

A1

The 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

A1

The 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

A1

The 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

A1

A 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

A1

An 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

A1

A 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

A1

Refers 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

A1

A 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

A1

A 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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