火星

• Reading: かせい
• Romaji: kasei
• Kanji breakdown: 火 (ka) — fire; 星 (sei) — star, planet
• Pronunciation: /ka.seː/

Meaning

Mars; the fourth planet from the sun, known for its reddish appearance.

A noun naming the planet Mars. Japanese planet names follow the classical Chinese five-element system: 火星 uses 火 (fire) because Mars appears red. Commonly encountered in science news, space exploration topics, and astronomy. The adjective form 火星の is used for anything Martian.

Examples

1. 火星に生命が存在する可能性が議論されている。 The possibility of life existing on Mars is being debated.
2. 将来、人類が火星に移住する計画がある。 There are plans for humanity to migrate to Mars in the future.
3. 望遠鏡で火星を観察するのが趣味だ。 Observing Mars through a telescope is my hobby.

Usage Guide

Context: astronomy, science, space exploration

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 火 (fire) + 星 (star, planet). Named after the fire element in the Chinese five-element system (五行) due to the planet's reddish colour, which ancient observers associated with fire.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal