食物

• Reading: しょくもつ
• Romaji: shokumotsu
• Kanji breakdown: 食 (shoku) — food, eating; 物 (motsu/mono) — thing, object
• Pronunciation: /ɕo.kɯ.mo.tsɯ/

Meaning

Food; foodstuff. A general term for things that are eaten.

A somewhat formal or academic noun for food in general. More commonly encountered in written language, scientific contexts, or compound words like 食物連鎖 (food chain) and 食物繊維 (dietary fibre). In everyday conversation, 食べ物 is preferred over 食物.

Examples

1. 食物繊維は体にいいと言われている。 Dietary fiber is said to be good for your body.
2. この地域ではどんな食物が手に入りますか。 What kind of food is available in this region?
3. 食物アレルギーがある人が増えている。 The number of people with food allergies is increasing.

Usage Guide

Context: science, health, academic writing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 食 (food, eating) and 物 (thing, object). A straightforward combination meaning 'thing that is eaten,' used since classical times.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal