原子力発電

• Reading: げんしりょくはつでん
• Romaji: genshiryoku hatsuden
• Kanji breakdown: 原 (gen) — original; 子 (shi) — particle; 力 (ryoku) — power; 発 (hatsu) — emit, generate; 電 (den) — electricity
• Pronunciation: /geɴ.ɕi.ɾʲo.kɯ ha.tsɯ.deɴ/

Meaning

Nuclear power generation. The process of producing electricity using nuclear energy.

A noun often shortened to 原発 (genpatsu) in everyday speech and news. Japan has a complex relationship with nuclear power, especially after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Common collocations include 原子力発電所 (genshiryoku hatsudensho, nuclear power plant) and 原子力発電の安全性 (safety of nuclear power generation). Frequently appears in energy policy debates.

Examples

1. 日本の原子力発電は福島の事故後に大きく見直された。 Japan's nuclear power generation was significantly reassessed after the Fukushima accident.
2. 原子力発電に代わるエネルギー源が求められている。 Alternative energy sources to replace nuclear power generation are being sought.
3. 原子力発電のメリットとデメリットを比較する必要がある。 It is necessary to compare the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power generation.

Usage Guide

Context: energy, politics, science

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 原子力 (genshiryoku, atomic/nuclear power) + 発電 (hatsuden, power generation). Literally 'atomic-power electricity generation.' The term gained widespread use during Japan's post-war energy development.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal