中性子
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.
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.
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
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
理科の授業で中性子について習いました。
everydayI learned about neutrons in my science class.
原子核は陽子と中性子から構成されています。
formalThe atomic nucleus is composed of protons and neutrons.
中性子って、たしか重力に関係あるんだよね？
informalNeutrons are related to gravity, right?
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。
academicThe density of a neutron star is extremely high, reaching hundreds of millions of tons with just a single spoonful.
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。
businessOur company provides non-destructive testing technology using the latest neutron beams.
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
A neutrino is a nearly massless elementary particle, whereas a neutron is a much heavier nucleon found in atoms.
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
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 Vocabulary
Related Words
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