原子力

• Reading: げんしりょく
• Romaji: genshiryoku
• Kanji breakdown: 原 (gen) — origin, source; 子 (shi) — child, small particle; 力 (ryoku) — power, force
• Pronunciation: /ɡeɴ.ɕi.ɾʲo.kɯ/

Meaning

Atomic energy; nuclear power. Energy released from the nucleus of atoms.

A noun used in discussions about energy policy, science, and technology. 原子力 is a significant topic in Japan given the country's history with nuclear energy and the Fukushima disaster of 2011. Common compounds include 原子力発電所 (nuclear power plant) and 原子力エネルギー (nuclear energy).

Examples

1. 原子力発電は賛成と反対の意見がある。 There are both supporters and opponents of nuclear power generation.
2. 日本では原子力について多くの議論がある。 In Japan, there is a lot of debate about nuclear energy.
3. 原子力の安全な利用が求められている。 The safe use of nuclear energy is being called for.

Usage Guide

Context: energy policy, science, news

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 原子 (atom, from 原 meaning origin/source and 子 meaning child/small particle) and 力 (power, force). Together they mean the power derived from atoms.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal