磁気

• Reading: じき
• Romaji: jiki
• Kanji breakdown: 磁 (ji) — magnet, magnetism; 気 (ki/ke) — spirit, energy
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.ki/

Meaning

Magnetism; magnetic force. Used in science, technology, and everyday contexts involving magnets.

A noun used in scientific and technical contexts. Common compounds include 磁気カード (magnetic card), 磁気テープ (magnetic tape), and 磁気嵐 (magnetic storm). Distinct from 磁器 (porcelain), which is a homophone.

Examples

1. 磁気カードをポケットに入れないでください。 Please don't put your magnetic card in your pocket.
2. 地球の磁気は北極と南極を結んでいる。 The Earth's magnetism connects the North Pole and the South Pole.
3. スマホを磁気の強いものに近づけないほうがいい。 You shouldn't bring your phone close to anything with a strong magnetic field.

Usage Guide

Context: science, technology, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound. 磁 (ji, magnet) combined with 気 (ki, force/energy), meaning 'magnetic energy.' 磁 itself derives from 磁石 (magnet/lodestone).

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal