元素

• Reading: げんそ
• Romaji: genso
• Kanji breakdown: 元 (gen) — origin, source; 素 (so) — element, basis
• Pronunciation: /geɴ.so/

Meaning

Chemical element. A pure substance consisting of only one type of atom.

A chemistry noun referring to the fundamental substances listed on the periodic table (元素周期表, genso shuukihyou). Distinguished from 原子 (genshi, atom), which is the physical particle, while 元素 is the category of substance. Common collocations include 元素記号 (genso kigou, element symbol), 希少元素 (kishou genso, rare element), and 微量元素 (biryou genso, trace element).

Examples

1. 周期表には百十八種類の元素が載っている。 The periodic table lists 118 elements.
2. 酸素は生命に不可欠な元素だ。 Oxygen is an element essential to life.
3. 新しい元素の発見は科学者たちを興奮させた。 The discovery of a new element excited scientists.

Usage Guide

Context: chemistry, science education, research

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 元 (gen, origin/source) + 素 (so, element/basis). Literally 'original element' — the most fundamental substances from which all matter is composed.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal