物理

• Reading: ぶつり
• Romaji: butsuri
• Kanji breakdown: 物 (butsu) — thing, object, matter; 理 (ri) — reason, logic, principle
• Pronunciation: /bɯ.tsɯ.ɾi/

Meaning

Physics; the laws of nature. The branch of science concerned with matter, energy, and their interactions.

A noun used in academic and scientific contexts. 物理 is commonly short for 物理学 (physics as a discipline). It appears frequently in school subjects and university departments. Also used figuratively to mean something governed by physical laws, as in 物理的に (physically, in a practical sense).

Examples

1. 高校のとき物理が一番好きな科目だった。 Physics was my favorite subject in high school.
2. 物理の法則は宇宙のどこでも同じだ。 The laws of physics are the same everywhere in the universe.
3. 物理的にその計画は無理がある。 That plan is physically impossible.

Usage Guide

Context: education, science, academia

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 物 (thing, object, matter) and 理 (reason, logic, principle). Together they mean the principles or logic governing physical matter.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal