数学

• Reading: すうがく
• Romaji: suugaku
• Kanji breakdown: 数 (suu/kazu) — number, count; 学 (gaku/mana) — study, learning
• Pronunciation: /sɯː.ɡa.kɯ/

Meaning

Mathematics. The academic study of numbers, quantities, and shapes.

A noun combining 数 (number) and 学 (study, learning). Refers to mathematics as a school subject or academic discipline. In Japanese schools, 算数 (sansuu) is used for elementary maths, while 数学 is used from middle school onwards. A core subject in the Japanese education system.

Examples

1. 数学が一番好きな科目です。 Math is my favorite subject.
2. 今日の数学の宿題は難しいです。 Today's math homework is difficult.
3. 数学のテストで九十点を取りました。 I got ninety points on the math test.

Usage Guide

Context: school, academics, subjects

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 数 (number, count) and 学 (study, learning). The term was coined during the Meiji era as part of the modernisation of academic terminology, translating Western concepts of mathematics as a formal discipline.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal