Japanese word

要素

Pronunciation

Romajiyōso

Meaning

  • nounelement

Example

この計画には三つの要素があります。ko no kei kaku ni wa mit tsu no yō so ga a ri ma su

This plan has three elements.

Illustration for 要素 (element)

More examples

このゲームでは、運も大きな要素です。ko no gē mu de wa un mo ō ki na yō so de su

Luck is also a major factor in this game.

Core concept

Describes one part or factor that helps make a larger thing what it is.

Common phrases

  • 必要な要素hitsu yō na yō so

    necessary element

  • 成功の要素sei kō no yō so

    element of success

  • 主な要素omo na yō so

    main element

Similar words

構成要素kōseiyōso: A part that combines with other parts to form a larger whole.
要因yōin: A cause or condition that helps produce a result.
一部ichibu: One part of a larger whole.

Definition in Japanese

全体を成り立たせる一つ一つの部分や、結果に影響を与える要因。zen tai o na ri ta ta se ru hito tsu hito tsu no bu bun ya kek ka ni ei kyō o ata e ru yō in

Word origin

要素 (yōso) combines 要 (yō, "important") and 素 (so, "basic element"), expressing a basic part that is important to a whole.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 要素 (yōso) often refers to a feature or factor of a plan, story, or problem, while element in science can mean a substance on the periodic table.

Other meanings

  • factornoun
  • itemnoun

Word lists with this word