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材料 — meaning in English: material

zairyō · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for material
うつ病
utsubyō
習慣
shūkan
材料
zairyō
叫び
sakebi
大多数
daitasuu
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use '材料' when discussing construction, art, or cooking. For instance, a chef might ask for specific ingredients as part of the '材料' needed for a dish, or a teacher might talk about the various materials required for a school project.
Synonyms & nuances
While '材料' refers broadly to 'material', a synonym like '資材' (shizai) specifically means 'resources' or 'supplies' and is often used in business contexts. You would choose '材料' when discussing the actual components of a project or dish, while '資材' might be used when focusing on the overall resources needed.
Culture
'材料' has its roots in the Chinese character '材料', where '材' refers to 'wood' or 'material' and '料' means 'to supply' or 'to measure'. This word reflects Japan's appreciation for craftsmanship, as the choice of materials is vital in traditional arts like pottery and architecture.
FAQ
Q.What does 材料 mean in Japanese?
'材料' means 'material' in Japanese, referring to the physical substances used in various contexts, from construction to cooking.
Q.How do you use 材料 in a sentence?
You can use '材料' in a sentence like: 'この料理に必要な材料は何ですか?' which translates to 'What are the materials needed for this dish?'
Q.Is 材料 used in formal writing?
'材料' is a neutral term, commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese, making it suitable for most contexts, including formal and informal settings.
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