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日本語
化合物 — meaning in English: Compound
kagōbutsu · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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compound
化合物
kagōbutsu
スクリーン
sukurīn
特権
tokken
肺
hai
セキュリティ
sekyuriti
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technical
common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 化合物 (kagōbutsu) primarily in scientific discussions, particularly in chemistry or material science classes. For example, a teacher might say, 'This 化合物 has unique properties that make it useful in pharmaceuticals.' You might also hear it in casual conversation when discussing ingredients in food or cosmetics.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 成分 (seibun), which means 'component' or 'ingredient.' While 成分 refers more specifically to the individual parts of a mixture, 化合物 emphasizes the chemical bonding and formation of new materials. Choosing between them depends on whether you want to highlight the combination process or the individual ingredients.
Culture
The word 化合物 is composed of two kanji: '化' (ka), meaning change, and '合' (gō), meaning to combine. This reflects the essence of compounds as substances formed by the combination of two or more elements. Interestingly, the concept of chemical compounds has been around for centuries, but it wasn't until the 19th century that modern chemistry began to define and categorize them systematically.
FAQ
