吸収

• Reading: きゅうしゅう
• Romaji: kyuushuu
• Kanji breakdown: 吸 (kyū) — inhale, suck; 収 (shū) — collect, gather
• Pronunciation: /kjɯː.ɕɯː/

Meaning

Absorption; suction. Taking in or soaking up a substance, knowledge, or entity.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (吸収する). Used both literally (a sponge absorbing water, the body absorbing nutrients) and figuratively (absorbing knowledge, a company absorbing another). Common in science, business, and learning contexts. Related compound: 吸収力 (absorptive power/capacity to learn).

Examples

1. 植物は根から水分を吸収する。 Plants absorb moisture through their roots.
2. 子供は新しい知識をすぐに吸収する。 Children absorb new knowledge quickly.
3. この素材は汗をよく吸収してくれる。 This material absorbs sweat really well.

Usage Guide

Context: science, learning, health

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 吸 (kyū, to inhale/suck) and 収 (shū, to collect/gather). Together, 'sucking in and gathering' — drawing something inward and retaining it.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal