酸化する

• Reading: さんかする
• Romaji: sanka suru
• Kanji breakdown: 酸 (san) — acid, sour, oxygen; 化 (ka) — change, transform
• Pronunciation: /saɴ.ka.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To oxidise; to undergo oxidation. A chemical reaction in which a substance combines with oxygen.

A suru-verb used in chemistry for the process of combining with oxygen or losing electrons. The noun form 酸化 (sanka, oxidation) is equally common. Everyday examples include rust forming on iron (鉄が酸化する) and food spoiling through exposure to air. The opposite is 還元する (kangen suru, to reduce). Also used figuratively in some contexts for degradation or deterioration, though this usage is less common.

Examples

1. 鉄は空気中の水分で酸化して錆びる。 Iron reacts with moisture in the air, oxidizing and rusting.
2. 食品が酸化すると味や色が変わってしまう。 When food oxidizes, its taste and color change.
3. この塗料は表面が酸化するのを防ぐ効果がある。 This paint is effective at preventing the surface from oxidizing.

Usage Guide

Context: chemistry, cooking, manufacturing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 酸 (san, acid/sour) + 化 (ka, change/transform) + する (suru, to do). Literally 'acid-transformation' — reflecting the historical association of oxidation with acid formation.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal