鉱物

• Reading: こうぶつ
• Romaji: koubutsu
• Kanji breakdown: 鉱 (kou) — ore, mineral; 物 (butsu/mono) — thing, object
• Pronunciation: /koː.bɯ.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

Mineral. A naturally occurring inorganic substance with a defined chemical composition.

Used in science and geography to discuss natural resources found in the Earth. Japan has limited mineral resources, which is historically significant for understanding its trade and industrialization. Also appears in hobby contexts like mineral collecting.

Examples

1. この山からはいろいろな鉱物が採れる。 Various minerals can be found in this mountain.
2. 科学の授業で鉱物の種類を調べた。 I researched types of minerals in science class.
3. 博物館で珍しい鉱物のコレクションを見た。 I saw a rare mineral collection at the museum.

Usage Guide

Context: science, geology, education

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 鉱 (kou, ore/mineral) and 物 (butsu, thing/substance). Literally 'ore substance,' referring to naturally occurring solid materials from the earth.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal