成分

• Reading: せいぶん
• Romaji: seibun
• Kanji breakdown: 成 (sei) — become, form; 分 (bun) — part, portion
• Pronunciation: /seː.bɯɴ/

Meaning

Ingredient; component; composition. The constituent elements of a substance.

A noun referring to the individual components that make up a substance, especially in chemistry, food science, and cosmetics. Commonly seen on product labels, in nutritional information, and in scientific contexts. Often used with 表 (hyou, table/chart) as 成分表 (ingredient list).

Examples

1. この化粧品には天然成分が多く含まれている。 This cosmetic product contains many natural ingredients.
2. 食品の成分表をよく確認してから買う。 I always check the ingredient list carefully before buying food.
3. この薬の成分にアレルギー反応を起こす人もいる。 Some people have allergic reactions to the components in this medication.

Usage Guide

Context: food labels, chemistry, cosmetics, medicine

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 成分. 成 (sei) means to become or to form, and 分 (bun) means part or portion. Together they describe the parts that form a whole substance.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal