A1 noun Formal #2,747 most common

中性子

chūseishi /t͡ɕɯːseːɕi/

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.

Examples

3 of 5
1

理科の授業で中性子について習いました。

I learned about neutrons in my science class.

2

原子核は陽子と中性子から構成されています。

The atomic nucleus is composed of protons and neutrons.

3

中性子って、たしか重力に関係あるんだよね?

Neutrons are related to gravity, right?

Word Family

Noun
中性
Adjective
中性的
Related
原子
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Chū' (Middle/Neutral), 'Sei' (Nature), and 'Shi' (Child/Small thing). It is the 'Neutral-natured small particle'.

Quick Quiz

原子核は陽子と( )でできています。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 中性子

Examples

1

理科の授業で中性子について習いました。

everyday

I learned about neutrons in my science class.

2

原子核は陽子と中性子から構成されています。

formal

The atomic nucleus is composed of protons and neutrons.

3

中性子って、たしか重力に関係あるんだよね?

informal

Neutrons are related to gravity, right?

4

中性子星の密度は極めて高く、スプーン一杯で数億トンに達する。

academic

The density of a neutron star is extremely high, reaching hundreds of millions of tons with just a single spoonful.

5

弊社は最新の中性子ビームを用いた非破壊検査技術を提供しています。

business

Our company provides non-destructive testing technology using the latest neutron beams.

Word Family

Noun
中性
Adjective
中性的
Related
原子

Common Collocations

中性子星 neutron star
中性子ビーム neutron beam
中性子捕獲 neutron capture
中性子回折 neutron diffraction
中性子源 neutron source

Common Phrases

中性子を放出する

to emit a neutron

高速中性子

fast neutron

熱中性子

thermal neutron

Often Confused With

中性子 vs ニュートリノ

A neutrino is a nearly massless elementary particle, whereas a neutron is a much heavier nucleon found in atoms.

中性子 vs 中性

Chūsei refers to neutrality (like pH 7 or gender), while Chūseishi specifically refers to the physical particle.

📝

Usage Notes

This is a technical scientific term and is almost exclusively used in physics, chemistry, or astronomy contexts. In casual conversation, it only appears when discussing science topics.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners might confuse it with 'neutrality' (中性) because they share the same root, but the suffix 'shi' (子) is required to refer to the particle itself.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Chū' (Middle/Neutral), 'Sei' (Nature), and 'Shi' (Child/Small thing). It is the 'Neutral-natured small particle'.

📖

Word Origin

A Japanese loan-translation (calque) of the English word 'neutron', combining 'chūsei' (neutral) and 'shi' (particle/child).

Grammar Patterns

Used as a common noun. Often functions as a modifier using 'no', as in '中性子の発見' (Discovery of the neutron).
🌍

Cultural Context

Given Japan's history with nuclear science (both energy and the atomic bomb), technical terms like these often appear in educational curricula and news media more frequently than in some other cultures.

Quick Quiz

原子核は陽子と( )でできています。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 中性子

Related Words

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