水素

• Reading: すいそ
• Romaji: suiso
• Kanji breakdown: 水 (sui) — water; 素 (so) — element, base, fundamental
• Pronunciation: /sɯi.so/

Meaning

Hydrogen (H). The lightest and most abundant chemical element in the universe.

A noun used in chemistry and everyday contexts for the element hydrogen. Frequently appears in discussions about energy, fuel cells, and environmental technology. Common compounds include 水素水 (suisosui, hydrogen water), 水素エネルギー (suiso enerugii, hydrogen energy), and 水素自動車 (suiso jidousha, hydrogen car). One of several element names using the 素 (so, element) suffix.

Examples

1. 水素は宇宙で最も多い元素だ。 Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe.
2. 水素と酸素が結合すると水になる。 When hydrogen and oxygen combine, they form water.
3. 水素で走る燃料電池車の開発が進んでいる。 Development of fuel cell vehicles powered by hydrogen is advancing.

Usage Guide

Context: chemistry, energy, environment

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 水 (sui, water) + 素 (so, element/base). Literally 'water element' — reflecting the fact that hydrogen produces water when burned. Coined in the Meiji era as a translation of the Western scientific term.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal